Delhi's Air Quality Deteriorates to 'Poor' Levels as Cold Wave Continues
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New Delhi, Jan 1 (NationPress) As the New Year unfolds, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi was measured at 239 at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, placing it in the 'poor' category. A dense fog enveloped the city, causing visibility issues amid the cold climate.
On Monday, the national capital experienced a temporary enhancement in air quality, with AQI levels dropping into the 'moderate' category due to substantial rainfall over the weekend.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), on New Year's Day, Delhi recorded a low of 8.05 degrees Celsius, with a forecasted high of 17.98 degrees Celsius under clear conditions.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) announced via the social media platform X on Tuesday that Delhi achieved its highest count of 'Good to Moderate' air quality days in 2024, totaling 209 days. This notable achievement, excluding the year 2020 marked by COVID-19 lockdowns, reflects significant progress in air quality management.
In a press statement, the CAQM attributed this accomplishment to ongoing and collaborative efforts from all involved parties throughout 2024. “This year recorded a historic 209 days with the AQI under 200, classifying as 'Good to Moderate'. This is the highest since 2020 when stringent lockdowns led to a decrease in human activities,” the announcement stated.
Despite adverse meteorological conditions, Delhi's average AQI for 2024 ranked second best when compared to 2021 and 2022.
A key element in this improvement has been a notable decrease in farm fires during the paddy harvesting season, which typically causes episodic spikes in pollution.
The CAQM highlighted the necessity for ongoing efforts to sustain and further enhance air quality. The record low instances of farm fires, along with coordinated measures to mitigate industrial, vehicular, and other emissions, were crucial in this achievement.
This improvement serves as a hopeful sign of Delhi's persistent commitment to tackling pollution and fostering a healthier environment for its citizens, even in the face of cold weather and varying meteorological conditions.
