Air Quality in Delhi Plummets to ‘Severe’ Levels Amidst Cold Wave Conditions
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New Delhi, Dec 23 (NationPress) The national capital is still struggling with hazardous air quality. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported that the Air Quality Index (AQI) was at 410 at 6 a.m. on Monday, placing it in the 'severe' category.
A thin veil of fog covered the city, diminishing visibility, while the minimum temperature dipped to 9.2 degrees Celsius at 5:30 a.m., as per the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Predictions of a cloudy sky with light rain later in the day bring a glimmer of hope for some alleviation from the pollution.
Multiple regions in Delhi displayed alarming AQI figures, such as Wazirpur (464), Ashok Vihar (460), Mundka (446), Burari Crossing (445), and Anand Vihar (443). The air quality in Dwarka-Sector 8 (393) and Najafgarh (372) remained just below the ‘severe’ threshold.
On Sunday, PM2.5 levels (Particulate Matter), a significant pollutant, were alarmingly high, with 37 out of 39 monitoring stations indicating ‘severe plus’ air quality.
These PM 2.5 particles, which are small enough to infiltrate deep into the lungs, pose serious health hazards, especially for at-risk populations.
In response to the escalating pollution, The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage IV measures have been implemented throughout the National Capital Region (NCR) since December 16.
These urgent actions are intended to reduce pollution but have shown minimal immediate effect.
The Supreme Court has recently instructed Uttar Pradesh and Haryana to enforce firecracker restrictions similar to those in Delhi and stressed the rigorous application of GRAP and the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016. The apex court also mandated the deployment of teams at Delhi's entry points to ensure adherence to GRAP IV measures.
Residents are increasingly reporting health complications associated with the pollution, including respiratory ailments and eye irritation. The combination of dense fog and toxic air has created a challenging environment for the people of Delhi, with many calling for more robust and effective interventions to tackle the crisis.
