Delhi’s breath of trouble: Rising air pollution levels alarm residents
Air pollution levels surged in Delhi just a day before Diwali. On Wednesday, eight monitoring stations recorded “very poor” air quality. The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 278 at 9 AM, an increase from 268 the previous day. Although the AQI remained in the “poor” category, this marked a slight improvement from Tuesday, thanks to favorable wind speeds after several days of “very poor” air quality. On Monday, the AQI was 304, and on Sunday, it peaked at 359.
According to the Central Pollution Control Board, the AQI classifications are as follows: 0-50 is “good,” 51-100 is “satisfactory,” 101-200 is “moderate,” 201-300 is “poor,” 301-400 is “very poor,” and 401-500 is “severe.” Out of the 36 monitoring stations that reported data, eight—Anand Vihar, Ashok Vihar, Aya Nagar, Bawana, Jahangirpuri, Mundka, Vivek Vihar, and Wazirpur—recorded AQI levels in the “very poor” category during the morning.
Moreover, the weather conditions did not help alleviate the situation. Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 21 degrees Celsius, which is 4.9 degrees above normal for this time of year. The humidity level stood at a high 83 percent at 8 AM. Despite the pollution, the city enjoyed mainly clear skies throughout the day, with a maximum temperature expected to hover around 36 degrees Celsius.
The rise in air pollution is concerning, especially as residents prepare for Diwali celebrations. Authorities and health experts warn that poor air quality can lead to serious health issues. They urge residents to take precautions, such as wearing masks and limiting outdoor activities.
In conclusion, with rising AQI levels and warm weather, Delhi faces significant air quality challenges ahead of the festive season. Immediate action and awareness are crucial to protect public health during this critical time.
