Delhi's Air Quality Sees Slight Improvement, Still Rated 'poor'

Following a one-day spurt to the severe category on Tuesday, the air quality in Delhi had improved slightly on Wednesday morning, and it was within a poor category. The Air Quality Index (AQI) of Anand Vihar was reported to be 279 at 8 am by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the majority of other monitored departments are also showing poor AQI.

On Tuesday, thick smog had driven the quality of the air in the city to the most severe range, and the AQI of Anand Vihar was 409.

According to CPCB, the AQI of 0 to 50 are regarded as good, 51 to 100 as satisfactory, 101 to 200 as moderate, 201 to 300 as poor, 301 to 400 as very poor and 401 to 500 as severe.

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So what is causing the pollution levels of Delhi to be high?

The meteorologists have blamed the increased pollution to a western disturbance which has slowed down the speed of wind and led to stagnation in the atmosphere, where the accumulation of pollutants thrives.

Analysts also issued a fresh accumulation of smog as early as November 5 due to the on-going stubble burning in the neighbouring states and low wind circulation.

What impact are the residents experiencing due to pollution?

The deteriorating air quality has led to health alarm especially to the vulnerable population like the children, the elderly, and people with respiratory disorders. The physicians have urged the residents to restrict their activities outside during the morning and evening hours when pollution is more prone.

Their environmental pundits claimed that the hazy condition has been limiting visibility in early mornings and late evenings causing more people to complain about irritation of the throat, coughing, and breathing discomfort.

What is the most current in attempts to reduce pollution?

The Public Works Department (PWD) has decided to install the automatic mist spraying systems on three road stretches around Narela, Bawana and Jahangirpuri, as these are also the best 13 pollution hotspots in Delhi.

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The sprinklers, which will be installed on major verges, will spray dust on the roads with RO-treated water. Each system will be able to hold 2000 litres an hour in total capacity. The project will cost 4 crore including 5 years of operation and maintenance.

This program was done after the directive of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta in March to install sprinklers and smog guns all through the year as a remedy to the issue of air quality.

There are also a number of schools and old-age homes which have put in place procedures to secure children and elderly members. These involve the use of air purifiers, outdoor restrictions, distribution of masks and planting of indoor plant to enhance the quality of air.

How do you think Delhi is going to fare?

India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted clear weather with mist or haze on Wednesday with the range of temperatures between 18 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius. The morning hours should have mist and haze, and on November 6 and 7 one can expect mist or shallow fog, then mist or haze.

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