Amidst mounting concerns, Delhi continues to grapple with severe air quality woes as the Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at a concerning 417 on Saturday morning, firmly placing the capital within the ‘severe’ category. This persistent deterioration marks the city’s tenth ‘severe’ air day this month, adding to the growing alarm over air pollution levels.
The recent AQI reading mirrors the 24-hour average recorded a day earlier, maintaining the severity of the air quality crisis. The city’s air quality had slipped into the ‘severe’ category on Friday following a prolonged period of ‘very poor’ air conditions, exacerbated by a drop in temperatures and subdued winds that continue to plague the region.
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi registered a 24-hour average AQI of 415 on Friday at 4 pm, representing an escalation from Thursday’s AQI of 390 (‘very poor’) during the same period.
The persistently high AQI levels in November are on the brink of equaling the city’s previous records, notably matching the severe air days recorded in 2016. Delhi’s air quality in 2021 had witnessed 11 ‘severe’ air days, standing as the recent benchmark.
Delhi’s AQI trajectory earlier in the week depicted a concerning trend, with AQI readings of 390 on Thursday, 394 on Wednesday, 365 on Tuesday, and 348 on Monday, showcasing a steady deterioration throughout the week.
The categorization of AQI by the CPCB highlights the severity of pollution levels, with an AQI over 400 denoting ‘severe’ conditions, emphasizing the pressing need for immediate corrective measures.
Forecasts predict a continuation of severe air quality in Delhi on Saturday due to persistently calm winds, followed by a potential return to ‘very poor’ conditions on Sunday and Monday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) anticipates light rainfall on Monday, attributed to a western disturbance, which could boost wind speeds up to 12 km/hr, aiding in pollutant dispersion.
Kuldeep Srivastava from IMD emphasized the impact of calm winds on Friday, maintaining a stagnant environment for pollutants. He mentioned the predominant northwesterly wind direction contributing to Delhi’s consecutive days with minimum temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius, with Friday recording a minimum of 9.4 degrees – two notches below the seasonal average.
As Delhi grapples with persistent severe air quality, measures to address the crisis remain imperative, with hopes pinned on forecasted rain and improved wind speeds to alleviate the pressing pollution concerns.
Sources By Agencies