Delhi’s air quality slipped again into the ‘very poor’ class with the AQI touching 292 as vehicular emissions and pollution from NCR districts elevated. Weak winds restricted dispersion, and several other areas recorded AQI levels above 300, elevating well being considerations.
After displaying temporary indicators of enchancment earlier in the week, Delhi’s air quality worsened once more on Friday, returning to the ‘very poor’ class. Rising emissions from autos and pollution drifting in from neighbouring National Capital Region (NCR) districts proceed to burden the capital’s environment, erasing the short-lived aid skilled over the previous two days.
AQI Levels Cross Alarming Thresholds
According to information launched by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi’s common Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 292 at 8 am. This studying firmly positioned town in the ‘very poor’ class. Out of 39 monitoring stations throughout the capital, greater than half reported AQI levels exceeding 300, indicating unhealthy air situations for residents.
Several areas emerged as pollution hotspots. Anand Vihar topped the checklist with an AQI of 377, adopted carefully by Jahangirpuri, Bawana, and Ashok Vihar. Other places recorded air quality starting from ‘poor’ to ‘moderate’. Under CPCB requirements, AQI values between 301 and 400 are labeled as ‘very poor’, whereas levels above 401 are thought-about ‘severe’.
Vehicles and NCR Districts Drive Pollution Load
Analysis from the Decision Support System (DSS) for Air Quality Management highlighted that vehicular emissions stay the dominant supply of pollution in Delhi, contributing almost one-fifth of the entire load. Industrial actions inside Delhi and surrounding areas added a major share, whereas building work and waste burning contributed smaller however notable parts.
Pollution influx from NCR districts additional aggravated the scenario. Jhajjar in Haryana was recognized as the most important exterior contributor, adopted by Rohtak and Sonipat. These neighbouring areas proceed to affect Delhi’s air quality, particularly in periods of unfavourable climate situations.
Weather Offers Little Assistance
Meteorological situations haven’t been supportive of pollutant dispersion. Weak northwesterly winds, reaching speeds of solely round 10 kmph throughout afternoon hours, restricted the clearing of suspended particles. The Air Quality Early Warning System indicated that such situations might enable pollution levels to persist or worsen in the approaching days.
Temperatures additionally mirrored seasonal variation. The metropolis recorded a most temperature barely above regular, whereas the minimal dipped marginally under common. Moderate fog is predicted throughout early morning hours, which can additional cut back visibility and entice pollution close to the floor.
December Sees Limited Clean Air Days
December has to date supplied little respite for Delhi residents. The month has already seen a number of days with ‘poor’ air quality, and none categorised as ‘satisfactory’. Earlier this week, the capital skilled a extreme pollution episode when AQI levels crossed 400. Compared to final December, which had a extra balanced mixture of air quality days, this yr continues to pose rising environmental considerations.
With forecasts indicating additional deterioration, residents might have to brace for extended publicity to unhealthy air in the times forward.
