Air quality in Delhi remains poor despite a temporary improvement after rainfall washed away the toxic haze. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Air Quality Index (AQI) in several areas of Delhi, including Anand Vihar, RK Puram, Punjabi Bagh, and ITO, was recorded at 282, 220, 236, and 263, respectively.
Delhi has been suffering from severe pollution, with levels of harmful particles exceeding the World Health Organization’s safe limit by up to 100 times. In fact, it was ranked as the most polluted city in the world last Thursday.
To combat pollution and ensure compliance with anti-pollution measures, the Delhi Police have been inspecting trucks carrying non-essential goods at the Ghazipur and Tikri borders. The city’s air pollution control plan (GRAP Stage IV) only permits the entry of CNG, electric, and BS VI-compliant vehicles from other states, with exceptions for essential services.
The weather department has forecasted partly cloudy skies with mist or shallow fog in the mornings for Sunday and Monday, followed by mainly clear skies with shallow fog in the mornings on Tuesday and Wednesday. This change in weather could help disperse pollutants and improve air quality ahead of Diwali.
Punjab has reported 23,626 cases of stubble burning during the current paddy harvesting season. However, after cracking down on farmers engaging in this practice, the state has seen a 68% decline in farm fire incidents, with only 639 cases reported on Thursday.
According to an IMD official, wind speeds are expected to increase from the current 5-6 kmph to around 15 kmph on November 11 following the passage of a western disturbance. This increase in wind speed could further aid in dispersing pollutants and improving air quality.
Delhi’s air quality has been severely affected by falling temperatures, stagnant winds, and an increase in paddy stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana. In fact, a report by the University of Chicago revealed that the city’s air pollution reduces life expectancy by nearly 12 years, making it one of the most polluted capital cities globally.
