Despite a reduction in the contribution from stubble burning, Delhi’s air quality continued to remain in the “very poor” category, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 387 at 12 PM on Friday, dangerously close to the “severe” range. The AQI had registered 390 at 11 AM, and 377 as the 24-hour average on Thursday. The high pollution levels have led to poor visibility and widespread health concerns for the residents of the national capital.
The AQI levels on Friday reflected ongoing air pollution concerns, as the city’s air quality remained in the “very poor” category. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), 18 out of the 40 AQI monitoring stations in Delhi had recorded a “severe” AQI by 12 PM, a marked deterioration from 12 stations reporting severe levels on Thursday at 4 PM. Notably, areas such as Wazirpur, Rohini, Jahangirpuri, and Bawana were among the worst-hit, with AQI levels peaking above 430.
The impact of the hazardous air quality was visible in the capital’s visibility, which was severely reduced due to thick smog. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that visibility in Safdarjung was just 800 meters at 9:30 AM. However, conditions slightly improved by 10 AM to 1,000 meters and continued to rise to 1,200 meters by 11:30 AM.
While stubble burning remains a significant factor in Delhi’s air pollution, the contribution from this source showed some signs of improvement. According to the Centre’s Decision Support System (DSS), stubble burning accounted for 17.8% of the pollution on Thursday, a decrease from over 20% earlier in the week. However, despite this reduction, the air quality remained poor, driven by multiple sources of pollution including vehicular emissions, industrial activity, and local construction dust.
The Air Quality Early Warning System (AQEWS) has forecast that the AQI will continue to remain in the “very poor” category in the coming days. According to their bulletin, the outlook for the next several days is not promising, with air quality expected to stay at these hazardous levels from Saturday to Monday. The AQEWS also predicted that the predominant surface winds, coming from variable directions at a speed of 4-8 km/h, would not be sufficient to improve air quality drastically.
The CPCB classifies AQI levels as follows: 0-50 is “good,” 51-100 is “satisfactory,” 101-200 is “moderate,” 201-300 is “poor,” 301-400 is “very poor,” and anything above 400 is categorized as “severe.” With an AQI consistently above 300, Delhi’s air quality remains hazardous, posing a serious risk to residents, particularly those with respiratory conditions.
The ongoing pollution crisis highlights the urgent need for long-term solutions to improve air quality in Delhi, such as stricter emissions controls, better waste management practices, and more sustainable agricultural practices to reduce stubble burning. In the meantime, authorities are urging residents to minimize outdoor activities, wear masks, and take precautions to protect their health as the city battles with its persistent air quality issues.
Sources By Agencies