Air pollution levels creep up in Delhi

Air pollution levels creep up in Delhi

New Delhi: Air quality in Delhi and its suburbs deteriorated again overnight after a marginal improvement a day ago with forecasts suggesting that a major relief is unlikely in the coming days. The city's 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI), recorded at 4 pm everyday, stood at 348 on Monday, deteriorating from 301 on Sunday.

It was 319 on Saturday, 405 on Friday and 419 on Thursday. Neighbouring Ghaziabad (321), Gurugram (261), Greater Noida (318), Noida (331) and Faridabad (329) also recorded a dip in air quality. An AQI between zero and 50 is considered 'good', 51 and 100 'satisfactory', 101 and 200 'moderate', 201 and 300 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', 401 and 450 'severe' and above 450 'severe plus'.

The Centre on Saturday removed stringent curbs, including a ban on construction work related to linear projects and the entry of polluting trucks into Delhi in view of a dip in air pollution levels due to favourable wind speed and direction. These measures constitute the final stage -- Stage IV -- of the Centre's air pollution control plan called the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in the National Capital Region and Adjoining Area, a statutory body responsible for formulating strategies to combat pollution in the region, asked Delhi and NCR states to revoke all emergency measures, under which only CNG, electric and BS VI-compliant vehicles from other states are allowed to enter Delhi, with exemptions granted to those involved in essential services.

Read More Delhi Election Results 2025: How many votes is BJP getting in capital? Know vote share here

All medium and heavy goods vehicles not engaged in essential services were also banned in the capital under Stage IV of GRAP. According to the latest CAQM order, all other curbs under stages I, II and III of GRAP, including a ban on non-essential construction work, mining, stone crushers and diesel generators will continue.

Read More Delhi Election Results: Who will be next chief minister? BJP's Virendra Sachdeva replies

Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Sunday said people should remain vigilant and adhere to pollution control measures.
He also recalled that the progress made just before Diwali due to rain and favourable meteorological conditions was compromised by people bursting firecrackers.

Read More Delhi Election Results 2025: Amid BJP wave, this AAP candidate registers victory by the biggest margin

The minister confirmed that other restrictions under stages I, II and III of GRAP will continue in the capital. The ban on BS III petrol and BS IV diesel vehicles will also continue, he said. We will reassess these restrictions if the situation continues to improve," the minister said. According to the Air Quality Early Warning System developed by the Pune-based Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, no major improvement in air quality is likely in the next few days.

Recent data from a joint project by the Delhi government and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kanpur, showed that vehicular emissions accounted for about 36 per cent of the capital's air pollution on Saturday and 38 per cent on Sunday. Secondary inorganic aerosols -- particles such as sulfate and nitrate that are formed in the atmosphere due to the interaction of gases and particulate pollutants from sources like power plants, refineries and vehicles -- are the second major contributor to Delhi's foul air, accounting for 30 to 36 per cent of the air pollution in the city over the last few days.

Tags:

About The Author

Aryan Age Picture

Welcome to Aryan Age, an English newspaper that has been serving readers since 2011 from Delhi. With a loyal circulation of over 19,000, we are dedicated to providing our readers with the latest news and information, as well as insightful analysis and commentary that help them navigate the complex and rapidly changing world.

Post Comment

Comment List

Latest News

Woman dies of heart attack while dancing at wedding function in Madhya Pradesh's Vidisha Woman dies of heart attack while dancing at wedding function in Madhya Pradesh's Vidisha
Madhya Pradesh shocker: Another shocking incident has come to light where a seemingly healthy person dropped dead at a wedding...
Mahakumbh: President Murmu to take holy dip at Triveni Sangam today
Cuttack India keep 40-year-long unbeaten home record against England in ODI series intact after win in Cuttack

Live Cricket Score

Advertisement

Science & Tech

ISRO launches 100th landmark mission, GSLV-F15 lifts off with NVS-02 to improve India's navigational system ISRO launches 100th landmark mission, GSLV-F15 lifts off with NVS-02 to improve India's navigational system
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) today (January 29) launched NVS-02 to improve India's navigational system. GSLV-F15 is the 100th...
5 amazing YouTube features you must know and use for enhanced experience

Health

Detox drinks: 5 morning detox drinks to remove toxins from your body Detox drinks: 5 morning detox drinks to remove toxins from your body
Detox or detoxification is an important function of the body as it helps to remove toxins from the body. Detoxification...
Switching salt with substitutes can lower the risk of stroke, death: Study

Lifestyle

From Sarojini to Atta: Hop on to THESE markets of Delhi NCR for Christmas shopping From Sarojini to Atta: Hop on to THESE markets of Delhi NCR for Christmas shopping
Christmas is about to come. In such a situation, many people are planning to go to a party. At the...
Muhammad Becomes the Most Popular Baby Name for Boys in England and Wales