Delhi is grappling with a resurgence of air pollution as the air quality took a nosedive, reaching near-severe levels following a brief period of relief. The city witnessed a noticeable increase in pollution levels throughout the day, recording an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 398 on Thursday—higher than the previous day. Both PM2.5 and PM10 levels experienced a significant uptick, signaling the influence of local sources such as vehicular emissions and dust particles.
The deteriorating air quality, shifting from ‘very poor’ to ‘severe,’ prompted concerns, especially as the AQI reached 401 by 7 pm, reflecting a stark escalation from the morning reading of 370 at 11 am. This marked a sharp contrast to the average AQI of 290 reported just a day earlier.
Analysis from the Central Pollution Control Board revealed a substantial increase in PM2.5 levels at around 5 pm on Thursday, registering 204.5 micrograms per cubic meter compared to the previous day’s 131.3 micrograms per cubic meter. The safe limit for PM2.5, as per WHO norms, is 15 micrograms per cubic meter. Additionally, the coarser PM10 particles surged to 333.5 micrograms per cubic meter at 5 pm, compared to the earlier reading of 212.3 micrograms per cubic meter, surpassing the WHO-recommended safe standard of 45 micrograms per cubic meter.
The exacerbation of air quality issues in Delhi has prompted authorities to contemplate measures such as restricting construction activities, imposing vehicle bans, and implementing pollution control strategies. Unfavorable weather conditions, characterized by high moisture and mist, have exacerbated the situation by trapping pollutants. However, there is a silver lining as stubble burning incidents have notably decreased in states like Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. Continued monitoring of the situation will guide future actions to mitigate the alarming levels of air pollution in the capital.
