Mundka, Dwarka pass danger mark
Just two days before Diwali, air quality in the national Capital has deteriorated alarmingly. While the overall Air quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 318 micro gram per cubic (µgm-3), Mundka and Dwarka Sector 8 surpassed the danger mark as the harmful pollutants were recorded at 576 and 420 respectively.
Citing meteorological factors as the main reasons behind the slow dispersion of Suspended Particulate Matters (SPMs), pollution monitoring agencies clearly mentioned that stubble burning factors was low on Thursday for the steep escalations in pollutant values.
City's Alipur and RK Puram areas also recorded values of Particulate Matters (PM 10-2.5) abnormally higher than prescribed standards with values 410 and 388 µgm-3 respectively.
It is pertinent to mention here that not just SPM values surpassed alarming levels, the '0Sox, Nox and Ozone' levels were also recorded higher on the AQI.
System of Air Quality Weather Forecasting & Research (SAFAR)'s weekly air quality forecast stated that pollutants values are expected to shoot up after three days, though Friday's air quality index may show slight improvement.
Situations in nearby places of Delhi, instance - Faridabad, Noida, Greater Noida and Ghaziabad was also in the dangerous level.
SAFAR issued a health advisory and advised people to stay indoors and stop all activities outdoors at early morning and after sunset times. "Avoid prolonged or heavy exertion, go for a short walk instead of a jog and take more breaks. Stop any activity level if you experience any unusual coughing, chest discomfort, wheezing, breathing difficulty, or fatigue. Keep the windows close." "If the air conditioner provides a fresh air intake option, keep that closed. Avoid burning of wood, candles or incense. Keep the room clean - dont vacuum. Do wet mopping to reduce dust. Masks known as N-95 or P-100 respirators may only help if you go out," it said.
Quoting its MeT observations about air quality, SAFAR said that the decrease in wind started to negatively influence Delhi's air quality by drastically decreasing ventilation coefficients and thereby effecting dispersion.
"The stubble burning activity in Haryana, Panjab is moderate and the surface, as well as boundary layer winds, are not quite favorable for biomass transport. The main impact factor could be slow wind speed and pollutant accumulation. As the winds are forecasted to be slow and variable for the next two days consequently the AQI is forecasted to oscillate between high and middle range of very poor category," it said.
Importantly, as per the SAFAR extended outlook , further prolonged deterioration in AQI of Delhi only expecting by the first week of November now.
"The current Western disturbance is feeble and precipitation is not excepting northwest India, another Western disturbance is likely to affect the western Himalayan region by 28th October,"
As per the widespread situation, "The calm wind condition and associated very stable atmosphere can lead to the accumulation of pollutants, and these conditions favor rapid fine particulate matter formation. In a landlocked city like Delhi, it may lead to rapid accumulation and may trigger high pollution events," SAFAR said.
Punjabi Bagh, Wazirpur also recorded pollutants values high.