'Breathless' Delhi grapples with toxic pollution as air quality nosedives to 'hazardous' category; PM 10 level reaches 760 in northwest Delhi
The sudden drop in temperature, triggered by snowfall and rain in the northern states, has enveloped Delhi in a thick cover of smog. The dust and pollution particles along with water molecules have been trapped in the air, making it very difficult to breathe for the residents of the national capital.
Prominent pollutants PM 2.5 and PM 10 were recorded in 'poor' category in Delhi's Lodhi Road area this morning. In some of the regions, like Anand Vihar, Ashok Vihar, Dwarka and ITO, the air quality crossed over the the 'very poor category,' while in the Delhi University area, it has been recorded in 'severe' category.
An Air Quality Index or AQI between 0 and 50 is considered 'good', 51 and 100 'satisfactory', 101 and 200 'moderate', 201 and 300 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', and 401 and 500 'severe'.
The Centre-run System of Air Quality Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) recorded the overall AQI at 271, which falls in poor category.
Also read | Delhi schools prepare students for worsening air quality
Data source: Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)
The wind induced by western disturbances and several anti-pollution measures undertaken by the government have resulted in a drop of air pollutants from last week's 400+ figures to today's under-300 readings for PM 2.5 and PM 10. However, the experts predict that as soon as the western disturbances pass over, the air quality in Delhi-NCR will witness a sharp nosedive. Pollution caused by persistent stubble burning by farmers and Diwali festivities is also likely to aggravate the issue further in the coming days, they said.
Also read | Fresh snowfall in J&K, Himachal give brief breather to Delhi's air quality before Diwali
Watch video:
Action taken to curb Delhi smog
New Delhi: Ring Road and bridges are seen engulfed in thick haze from the new Signature Bridge
An aggressive 10-day-long 'Clean Air Campaign' from November 1 to 10 has also been launched to monitor and report polluting activities as well as to ensure quick action.
Based on 368 complaints, a total fine of Rs 83,55,000 was imposed on Sunday itself by 52 teams in the national capital, said the CPCB.
It said a total of 119 complaints of construction and demolition activities were received.
Other complaints included that of vehicular emission, traffic congestion, industrial emission, open or garbage burning, leaf burning, road dust, unpaved road, fire in landfill sites, air pollution from generators among others, the CPCB said.
It said a total of 52 complaints were received through social media and e-mail while 316 complaints through the 'Sameer app' that has been developed by the CPCB.
Officials said about 43 teams attended to 248 complaints in Delhi. Two teams attended to 11 complaints in Gurgaon, two teams to 31 complaints in Faridabad and two teams to five complaints in Noida and Greater Noida. Three teams attended 21 complaints in Ghaziabad.
On Friday and Saturday, a total penalty of Rs 80 lakh was imposed on violators.
The teams are visiting different parts of Delhi and adjacent towns of Faridabad, Gurgaon, Ghaziabad and Noida.
Watch Video:
