delhiDelhi AQI today: Delhi's air quality improved to 'very poor' from 'severe' category on November 9, 2021 with an overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of 372, informed System of Air Quality & Weather Forecasting & Research (SAFAR).
However, the smoke and haze continue to cover the sky of the national capital. The Central Pollution Control Board has suggested emergency measures to tackle the air pollution in Delhi including as sprinkling of water on roads, increasing the frequency of mechanised cleaning of roads.
Delhi's air quality improves to 'very poor' from 'severe' category with Air Quality Index (AQI) standing at 372: System of Air Quality & Weather Forecasting & Research (SAFAR)
— ANI (@ANI) November 9, 2021
Visual from Laxmi Nagar pic.twitter.com/FKAWhXdiue
The pollution control board also suggested ensuring maximise generation of power from existing natural gas based plants and that all brick kilns remain closed. Earlier on November 8, the Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai had inspected sites using anti-smog guns to curb air pollution.
Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai inspects sites using anti-smog guns to curb air pollution
— ANI (@ANI) November 8, 2021
"I saw a lot of statements by BJP MPs. LG has issued guidelines by which Chhath Puja cannot happen. They are playing politics. Let BJP try... Delhi will celebrate Chhath," he says pic.twitter.com/Os7C2E8KsP
Till yesterday, the Delhi air quality was in the 'severe category' with an overall AQI of 432. Delhi's air quality has been in the severe category every day since after Diwali when rampant cracker bursting was reported in the capital despite a blanket ban on the sale and storage of firecrackers by the Delhi government.
According to SAFAR, Delhi AQI is high because of the large influx of stubble-related pollutants that appear to be due to the much higher effective fire count than what was assumed in the SAFAR model for forecasting. The environmental experts have stressed that the Centre and state should take collective efforts to mitigate air pollution in the capital.
What is the source of Delhi's air pollution?
The major source of Delhi's air pollution is cracker bursting and stubble burning and other sources include industries, power plants, transportation, construction sites, fugitive dust and biomass emissions.
The environmentalists have suggested halting of all construction and demolition activities for a week and controlling vehicular movement and also sprinkling of water at construction sites to bring down the air pollution level.
How is Delhi air pollution becoming a public health emergency?
As per environmentalists, the situation is becoming a public health emergency, as, despite emergency measures, the Delhi AQI is still in the severe category. The high level of pollutants in the air and the smoky haze is causing citizens of the city to have breathing issues and irritation in the eyes and throat.
People have been advised to avoid all outdoor physical activities and move to indoor activities and those suffering from asthma, have been advised to keep relief medicine handy, as per the SAFAR advisory.
Delhi Environment Minister, Gopal Rai said, "As an emergency measure, we've started spraying water on roads with the help of anti-smog water tanks to reduce the air pollution. We've also banned 92 construction sites for violating norms."
Delhi AQI Today (6am/November 8th)
Pusa road- 4377
Narela- 512
Wazirpur- 455
ITI Jahangirpuri- 498
Anand Vihar- 567
Patparganj-385
JLN- 333
Mundka- 348
Punjabi Bagh-319
Aurobindo Marg- 376
RK Puram- 256
ITI Shahdara- 523
Karni Shooting Range-400
Air Quality level in neighbouring cities
Gurugram, Gwal Pahari- 424
Knowledge Park V, Greater Noida- 532
Noida, Sector 62- 712
Faridabad- 424
Ghaziabad, Indirapuram- 608
Air Quality Index - What air quality level is considered good?0-50 aqi- Good 50-100 aqi- Moderate 100-150 aqi- Unhealthy for sensitive groups 150-200 aqi- Unhealthy 200-300 aqi- Very unhealthy 300-500 aqi- Hazardous |
What is PM10 and PM2.5?PM10 is particulate matter that is 10 micrometers or less in diameter, while PM2.5 is particulate matter that is 2.5 micrometers or less in diameter. PM2.5 is also described as fine particles. These small particles can pass from the lungs into the bloodstream and affect the cardiovascular system and cause lung diseases and breathing issues among people. |
Background
Delhi air quality level had turned hazardous on November 5, 2021 following Diwali, despite a complete ban on crackers. A thick layer of smog blanketed the region, reducing visibility across the capital. The cracker bursting was reported till late at night in Delhi-NCR.
The Haryana government had also imposed a ban on the sale or use of all kinds of firecrackers in 14 districts, while the Uttar Pradesh government had allowed the use of green crackers on Diwali for two hours.
Bursting of crackers along with unfavourable meteorological conditions including low temperature, low mixing height and calm winds resulted in the air quality level dipping to severe.
Several citizens woke up with watery eyes and an itchy throat due to the smoggy haze. The Delhi pollution level is only expected to get worse with a likely increase in fumes from farm fires.
As per Delhi government's Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), the Delhi air quality is considered to be in the emergency category if PM2.5 and PM10 levels rise above 300 micrograms per cubic metre and 500 micrograms per cubic metre respectively for over 48 hours.
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