Delhi’s air quality still in ‘very poor’ category amid restrictions; AQI at 336

Last update:October 24, 2024, 09:05 IST

Delhi’s air quality remained in the ‘very poor’ category as the second stage of the central government’s Phased Response Action Plan (GRAP) is in force.

People and vehicles are seen on a road amid morning smog in New Delhi (Photo: Reuters)

Air quality in the national capital remained in the “very poor” category on Thursday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 8:30 p.m. at 336, according to the Air Quality and Safety System. weather forecasting and research (SAFAR). ).

Anand Vihar and Jahangirpuri were the worst affected areas with AQIs of 392 and 390 respectively, according to SAFAR data. The AQI in RK Puram was recorded at 359 and 348 in Dwarka and Najafgarh. Air quality is classified into six distinct levels: 0-50 is classified as “good”, 51-100 as “satisfactory”, 101-200 as “moderate”, 201-300 as “poor”, 301-400 as “very bad). ‘ and 401-500 as ‘Severe’.

Smog engulfed several areas of Delhi in the early hours as air quality continued to deteriorate, as seen in images shared by news agency ANI.

RESTRICTIONS IN DELHI FOLLOWING INCREASE IN POLLUTION

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has cited unfavorable climatic conditions due to which the air quality in Delhi is expected to remain “very poor” in the coming days. Stubble burning in neighboring Aryana and Punjab is also a major factor in deteriorating air quality this time.

In response to the deteriorating air quality, the Center implemented the second stage of the Gradual Response Action Plan (GRAP), introducing several restrictions from October 22. As part of the second stage of GRAP, mechanical sweeping and watering of identified roads will be carried out. outside every day.

Additionally, dust control measures will be enforced at construction and demolition sites, the use of generators will be discouraged, and dos and don’ts to minimize polluting activities will be published in the media. Traffic wardens will be deployed at congestion points, vehicle parking charges will be increased to discourage private transport and additional bus and metro services will be launched.

DELHI TRACK ENVIRONMENT MINISTER

Meanwhile, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Wednesday wrote to Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, urging him to convene a meeting with all stakeholders regarding the increase in air pollution in the nation’s capital.

In his third letter to the Union environment minister, Rai followed up on his earlier requests for a meeting to discuss cloud seeding as a potential solution to curb worsening pollution. He pointed out that the Delhi government had already implemented the winter action plan on September 25 this year and was exploring alternative solutions for immediate relief.

A day earlier, Rai had written letters to the transport ministers of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, urging them to ensure that no diesel buses from their states ply the national capital, in view of the restrictions GRAP II in force.

He said diesel buses emit a considerable amount of harmful pollutants that cause respiratory diseases and other health problems. “Delhi is already grappling with poor air quality, and this additional burden due to interstate traffic makes the situation worse,” he added.

(with contributions from the agency)

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