Delhi is grappling with rising pollution levels, as the Air Quality Index (AQI) of the national capital recorded a concerning figure of 234, marking two consecutive days of poor air quality. This spike in pollution comes in the wake of Dussehra celebrations, which often contribute to a temporary rise in air contaminants.
According to the latest data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the AQI crossed into the “poor” category on Sunday with a reading of 224, following the festivities. This marks a significant deterioration since the last time the city’s AQI fell into the poor range was 19 days ago, on September 25.
For context, the AQI classifications are as follows: 0-50 is considered “good,” 51-100 “satisfactory,” 101-200 “moderate,” 201-300 “poor,” 301-400 “very poor,” and 401-500 “severe.”
In response to the escalating pollution levels, the Delhi government has recently unveiled its Winter Action Plan, which includes an immediate ban on the production, storage, sale, and use of all types of firecrackers throughout the city until January 1.
Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai emphasized the government’s commitment to tackling air pollution, particularly as it tends to increase during the winter months. “Today, the AQI has been reported in the ‘poor’ category, and as winter approaches, pollution tends to rise as temperatures drop. The government is working on a 21-point plan to address this issue, and we will intensify our efforts to raise public awareness on the matter,” Rai stated on Monday.
The minister highlighted the three primary sources of pollution in Delhi: dust pollution, emissions from transportation, and biomass burning.
In terms of weather, Delhi recorded a maximum temperature of 34.4 degrees Celsius, slightly above the seasonal average. The weather department forecasts a partly cloudy sky for Tuesday, with maximum and minimum temperatures expected to hover around 35 degrees Celsius and 18 degrees Celsius, respectively.
As residents brace for another day of poor air quality, authorities are urging the public to take precautions and remain vigilant about the environmental conditions in the capital.
Sources By Agencies