Delhi’s air quality remained in the “very poor” category for the fifth straight day on Thursday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) continuing to stay over 350. Calm winds have continued to hinder the dispersion of pollutants, keeping the capital’s air quality at dangerous levels. The city has recorded a rise in the AQI since November 3, when it peaked at 382, marking the highest level of the season so far.
As of Thursday morning, the AQI reached an average of 367, up slightly from Wednesday’s 352. Nine stations across the city recorded “severe” air quality, with Anand Vihar and Wazirpur registering AQIs of 427 and 424, respectively. Delhi has been in the “very poor” range, with AQI levels over 350, since the beginning of November. Despite the unfavorable weather conditions, the city has not yet entered the “severe” category, which typically occurs earlier in the season.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) defines an AQI between 301 and 400 as “very poor,” while an AQI of over 400 is considered “severe.” The air quality is expected to remain in the “very poor” range until Saturday, with the lack of winds hindering the dispersion of pollutants.
In addition to the poor air quality, Delhi also experienced a minimum temperature four notches above normal, with the temperature recorded at 18°C on Thursday morning. The minimum temperature had reached its season’s low of 16.5°C on November 3, but has since risen slightly, with 17.2°C recorded on Wednesday and 17.6°C a day earlier. The maximum temperature was expected to hover around 33°C on Thursday, compared to 32.3°C on Wednesday.
Visibility in Delhi on Thursday morning was also affected by the air pollution, with a minimum of 1,200 metres recorded at Palam at 6:30 am. On Wednesday, visibility across the city dipped to just 800 metres, which is classified as fog. Weather experts have predicted that the wind direction will continue to oscillate between southeasterly and westerly, with stubble burning contributing to a significant portion of Delhi’s PM 2.5 levels.
On Tuesday, stubble burning was responsible for around 20.3% of Delhi’s PM 2.5 load, down slightly from 23.3% on Monday. The highest contribution of stubble burning this season was recorded on November 1, when it accounted for 35.1% of the city’s PM 2.5 load.
The city’s authorities have urged residents to limit outdoor activities, particularly for those with respiratory issues or vulnerable groups, such as children and the elderly. The pollution levels have raised concerns among health experts, who are calling for immediate measures to improve air quality and reduce the health risks posed by the prolonged poor air quality in the capital.
Sources By Agencies