Delhi has already implemented several measures to combat pollution, including the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) and restrictions on construction activities. However, the city's air quality continues to deteriorate, necessitating more stringent actions.
Earlier on October 12, Lahore also reported the worst air quality globally, alarming environmental officials about an early start to the smog season. Last year, the city first topped the list of the most polluted cities in the final week of October during the smog season.
During the winter months, Delhi experiences severe pollution, driven by a combination of factors, such as low wind speeds, dropping temperatures, high moisture levels and the presence of pollution particles that act as surfaces for condensation.
Delhi pollution: Amid rising pollution levels, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai launched the 'Red Light On, Gaadi Off' campaign aimed at reducing vehicular pollution in the capital.
A layer of smog engulfed several parts of Delhi, including Anand Vihar and the Akshardham temple area as the AQI in the area rose to 353, categorised as 'Very Poor' as per the Central Pollution Control Board.
Delhi air quality: The ruling Aam Aadmi Party said the city government is closely monitoring the situation of Yamuna River.
Delhi air pollution: Gopal Rai said the Delhi govt is working to reduce the pollution sources under its winter action plan. According to weather scientists, the weather is now turning unfavourable. Wind speed and temperature are decreasing.
Delhi is shrouded in smog as pollution levels rise, with AQI ranging between 250 and 339 in various areas. An orange alert has been issued amid deteriorating air quality, severely impacting public health.
As the air quality continues to deteriorate in the national capital, experts urge authorities to implement stricter measures to combat pollution and raise public awareness about the health implications associated with poor air quality.
Delhiites have endured two consecutive days of poor air quality, with pollution levels reaching a reading of 234 today.
An AQI between 0-50 is considered "good", 51-100 "satisfactory", 101-200 "moderate", 201-300 "poor", 301-400 "very poor" and 401-500 "severe."
India achieved a 19.3% reduction in particulate pollution in 2022, the second-largest global decrease after Bangladesh, according to the "Air Quality Life Index" 2024 report by EPIC. This drop has increased the average life expectancy of Indians by one year.
Delhi starts the day with a warm temperature of 27.05°C, expected to rise to a high of 35.69°C. The Air Quality Index (AQI) stands at 126, indicating poor air quality. Residents are advised to plan their day considering the heat and air quality.
This improvement in air quality is a rare occurrence for Delhi, which typically battles high levels of pollutants, especially during the winter months when vehicular emissions, industrial activities, and construction dust combine with unfavourable weather conditions to deteriorate the air quality.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for Delhi, predicting light to moderate rainfall over the next two days. The rainfall is expected to bring relief from the rising temperatures, with the maximum temperature recorded at 35.2 degrees Celsius on Tuesday.
GRAP Stage III had initially imposed restrictions on all construction and demolition activities, excluding only essential government projects, mining, and stone crushing. The recent decision removes these limitations.
The restrictions under Stage III of anti-pollution measures have been reimposed in the Delhi-National Capital Region due to the deterioration of air quality into the severe category.
A thick layer was haze also shrouded the national capital, leading to a drop in visibility and affecting traffic movement on Tuesday.
Delhi's AQI last entered the "poor" zone on December 6, recording a reading of 286. The city has not encountered a "severe" air day since November 24, when the AQI reached 415.
Key locations such as IGI Airport (T3), New Moti Bagh, and Punjabi Bagh register 'very poor' air quality, with AQI ranging from 355 to 397. Notably, areas like ITO, Anand Vihar, and Ashok Vihar hit the 'severe' category, recording AQI levels of 400 to 415.
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