Delhi's Air Quality Deteriorates, Enters 'Red Zone' with AQI at 293

Delhi's Air Quality Deteriorates: On Friday, October 18, New Delhi's air quality index (AQI) worsened significantly, reaching 293, falling into the 'Poor' category. Here's a detailed breakdown of the current situation and government measures:

Smog Covers Delhi

A visible layer of smog blanketed the city as the AQI dropped into the 'Poor' category, leading to breathing discomfort, especially for sensitive groups.

Impact of 'Poor' AQI

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), prolonged exposure to air in the 'Poor' category can result in breathing discomfort for most people.

AQI in Various Areas

The AQI levels across different parts of Delhi have worsened:

• Anand Vihar: AQI at 339 ('Very Poor')
• India Gate: AQI at 270 ('Poor')
• Dwarka: AQI at 325 ('Very Poor')
• Vivek Vihar: AQI at 324 ('Very Poor')

The highest AQI reading was recorded in Wazirpur, exceeding 300, which places it in the 'Very Poor' category.

Government's Response

Delhi’s Environment Minister Gopal Rai stated that as winter approaches, air quality deteriorates due to various local and external factors. Thirteen hotspots have been identified where AQI levels have crossed 300, including:

• Wazirpur
• Mundka
• Rohini
• Jahangirpuri
• Anand Vihar
• Dwarka Sector-8
• Bawana
• Narela
• Vivek Vihar
• Okhla Phase 2
• Punjabi Bagh
• Ashok Vihar
• RK Puram

Local authorities are investigating sources of pollution in these areas.

Dust Control Measures

To curb dust pollution, Public Works Department (PWD) vehicles have started sprinkling water in several regions. These actions align with the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-1), which includes steps to mitigate rising pollution levels.

Implementation of GRAP-1

The Delhi government has already implemented the first phase of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-1) to improve air quality, which focuses on controlling vehicular emissions, dust, and industrial pollutants.

High-Level Government Meeting

Chief Minister Atishi, along with Environment Minister Gopal Rai and other senior officials, held a high-level meeting to discuss strategies to manage the worsening air quality. CM Atishi urged residents to avoid burning crackers, use carpooling, and report pollution incidents through the Green Delhi app.

Political Blame Game

The opposition party BJP has blamed the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for the rising pollution levels. BJP leader Shehzad Poonawalla criticized AAP, accusing them of failing to control pollution despite their promises. He pointed to the current condition of the Yamuna River and described Delhi as a "gas chamber."

Poonawalla also mentioned the unused smog tower, on which Rs. 23 crore was spent, accusing the government of mismanaging the pollution crisis.

Dust Control at Construction Sites

The Delhi government has mandated dust control measures at both government and private construction sites. Additionally, they plan to deploy anti-smog guns to combat air pollution.

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As Delhi’s air quality continues to worsen, the government is ramping up efforts to tackle the issue. However, with rising political tensions and worsening air conditions, it remains to be seen whether these measures will bring the desired results.