Delhi's Air Quality Reaches 'Very Poor' Levels

The air quality in the national capital has deteriorated significantly, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) dropping to 344, indicating 'very poor' conditions. A thick layer of smog has enveloped the city, pushing several areas, including Rohini, Mundka, and Shalimar, into the 'severe' category, where air quality levels exceed 350.

Understanding the AQI Scale

The AQI scale categorizes air quality as follows: 0-50 is 'good,' 51-100 is 'satisfactory,' 101-200 is 'moderate,' 201-300 is 'poor,' 301-400 is 'very poor,' and 401-500 is 'severe.' According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), a 'poor' AQI can lead to breathing discomfort with prolonged exposure, while a 'very poor' AQI increases the risk of respiratory illnesses over time.

Declining Air Quality Ahead of Diwali

With just two weeks until Diwali and the onset of winter, Delhi's air quality continues to decline. The average AQI was 234 in the 'poor' category on October 15, but it has now reached 'severe' levels. On Saturday, Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 334, while AIIMS and surrounding areas reported 253. At India Gate, the AQI fell to 251, categorized as 'poor.'

Contributors to Air Pollution

Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai indicated that diesel buses coming from Uttar Pradesh are a significant contributor to air pollution in the city. He noted that air pollution control teams are scheduled to visit hotspots to tackle the issue. Rai added that anti-smokers have been installed in Anand Vihar to manage dust and mentioned that their teams are in discussions with officials from the UP government to initiate a joint operation aimed at reducing pollution.

Political Blame Game Over Air Pollution

Congress leader Pawan Khera criticized the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for blaming the Haryana government for rising pollution levels due to stubble burning.

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Stubble burning, common in the rice-wheat cropping pattern, has been a persistent problem that worsens air quality in Delhi and neighboring areas during winter. In September, instances of stubble burning rose by 19.8% in Haryana but fell by 28.7% in Punjab.