Air pollution levels entered the “severe” zone in parts of Delhi on Monday, while the overall air quality index (AQI) in the city stood in the “very poor” category for the third consecutive day, with the AQI crossing over 400 in several areas.
Rohini (418), Wazirpur (419), Mundka (422), and Delhi University (408) recorded “severe” air quality (AQI above 400). The AQI serves as a measure of pollution levels. A higher AQI value indicates a greater level of air pollution and increased health concerns.
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the city’s 24-hour average AQI was recorded at 347 at 4 pm, worsening from 325 on Sunday, 304 on Saturday and 261 (poor) on Friday.
The CPCB data shows that the air quality is recorded in the “very poor” category in various areas: Anand Vihar (384), Ashok Vihar (374), Bawana (384), Burari (377), Delhi Technological University (353), Dwarka (347), ITO (330), Jehangirpuri (383), Narela (353), Nehru Vihar (379), Vivek Vihar (380), and Shadipur (391).
The AQI was 272 in neighbouring Ghaziabad, 300 in Faridabad, 203 in Gurugram, 303 in Noida and 336 in Greater Noida.
According to CPCB officials, the air quality is expected to remain “very poor” for a few more days. The Capital’s air quality in October 2023 has been worse compared to the last two years, and meteorologists attribute it to the lack of rainfall.
The Centre’s Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has ordered that only electric, CNG and BS VI-compliant diesel buses will be allowed to operate between Delhi and the cities and towns of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan falling within the NCR from November 1.
As the AQI has entered the “severe zone”, the Government may impose ban on construction activities in Delhi and NCR. The Bharat Stage emission standards set legal limits on the amount of air pollutants such as carbon monoxide and particulate matter that vehicles in India can emit.
These standards focus on improving emission control, fuel efficiency and engine design.
As vehicle manufacturers provide vehicles that meet these new norms, oil companies supply fuel that adheres to the BS-VI standards, known as the world’s cleanest fuel.
The city’s air quality deteriorated to “very poor” on October 28 due to slow wind speed at night and a dip in the temperatures. The AQI was 256 on October 26, 243 on October 25 and 220 on October 24.
Special drives to check dust, vehicular and industrial pollution are already underway in the city.
