Last update:
Anand Vihar, Jahangirpuri, Mundka, Wazirpur, Vivek Vihar and Sonia Vihar had worst AQI.
A metro train runs on its route amid smog, New Delhi. (PHOTO: PTI)
Gusty winds have brought little improvement in Delhi’s air quality over the past two days, taking it to the “poor” category, compared to the “worst” levels recorded a few days ago.
The 24-hour Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 4 pm on Saturday was 255 as against 270 the previous day, data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) showed.
Data from 36 of the city’s 40 weather monitoring stations shared by the department, reveals that six stations – Anand Vihar, Jahangirpuri, Mundka, Wazirpur, Vivek Vihar and Sonia Vihar – fall in the category of ” very poor” or red-zone. , while the rest are in the “poor” category.
In neighboring areas like Greater Noida, Gurugram and Faridabad, the air quality was better, with the AQI recorded in the “moderate” category.
Meanwhile, Noida and Ghazibad recorded “poor” air quality, similar to the national capital.
Air quality is divided into four different categories: Stage I — “Poor” (AQI 201-300), Stage II — “Very Poor” (AQI 301-400), Stage III — “Sivere” (AQI 401-450) and Stage IV — “Severe Plus” (AQI above 450).
Meteorologists have previously said that changes in wind direction and increased wind speed have contributed to the improvement in air quality. Similar weather conditions are expected for the next few days. With no major weather activity forecast for next week, conditions are likely to remain stable.
The dominant pollutants in Delhi on Friday were PM10 and O3, according to CPCB data.
PM10 is particulate matter with a diameter of 10 micrometers or less. These small solid or liquid particles suspended in the air can be drawn into the lungs.
Sources of PM10 include dust, pollen, mold, vehicle exhaust and industrial emissions, which can cause breathing problems because they can penetrate deep into the lungs, which can lead to problems such as asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory diseases. Long-term exposure can increase the risk of heart and lung diseases.
Both PM10 and O3 are regulated by air quality standards and are important indicators in measuring air pollution levels.
Meanwhile, Delhi’s transportation sector has been the biggest contributor to its pollution, with transportation emissions accounting for 14.8 percent of the city’s air pollution on Saturday, according to the Center for Decision Support for Air Quality Management.
It also predicted that the transport sector will remain a major contributor to Delhi’s pollution for the next two days.
The PM2.5 level was recorded at 110.6 micrograms per cubic meter at 5pm, according to the CPCB.
PM2.5 refers to respirable fine particles with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers and below, which pose a serious risk to health.
Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai held a meeting with the agency on Saturday. The meeting, attended by Union ministers Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Bhupender Yadav, along with environment ministers from neighboring states, was called to assess and address the worsening air quality in the region.
In a press conference after the meeting, Rai emphasized the urgent need to tackle air pollution across North India. “The next 15 days are crucial,” he said, adding that seasonal winds from the northwest could carry pollution to Delhi and its surrounding areas, compounding the problem.
“Though heartburn has subsided, the post-Diwali period will be critical,” he said.
As Delhi’s air quality improved over the past two days, the day temperature was recorded at 33 degrees Celsius, a notch above normal, according to the weather department.
The department has predicted clear skies on Sunday. The maximum and minimum temperatures are expected to hover around 33 degrees Celsius and 19 degrees Celsius respectively.
(This story was not edited by News18 staff and was published by the syndicated news agency – PTI)
Source link