Delhi is facing “health emergency” as air pollution plunged to “severe” on Tuesday. In an advisory, the Centre-run System of Air Quality Forecasting And Research (SAFAR) asked Delhiites not to rely on dust masks for protection.
The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) was 442 for PM 10 and 240 for PM 2.5 in Delhi. Dwarka recorded “abnormally high” level with AQI 1,078 micro cubic per gram on Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) air quality index.
An AQI between 0 and 50 is considered “good”, 51 and 100 “satisfactory”, 101 and 200 “moderate”, 201 and 300 “poor”, 301 and 400 “very poor”, and 401 and 500 “severe”.
The advisory has suggested elderly and children to confine themselves to homes as pollution may cause respiratory issues. SAFAR warned against outdoor activities.
“Keep windows shut and avoid all physical activities, wear mask — N95, N100 — and stop outings,” said SAFAR.
The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) in its statement said, “Pollution is likely to increase “faster” now and stay in the “severe” category with escalation of PM 10 value.
Meanwhile, Delhi Environment Minister Imran Hussian has announced that 44 joint teams comprising SDMs and Tehsildars, officers of Municipal Corporations concerned, Delhi Pollution Control Committee, Environment Department and of Union Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change and Central Pollution Control Board will be deputed from Thursday to curb local sources of air pollution and to take action against violators across Delhi.
Meanwhile concerned over rising level of pollution, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has ordered assessment of carrying capacity of 102 cities, including Delhi, where air quality does not meet the National Ambient Air Quality Standards. The concept of carrying capacity addresses the question as to how many people can be permitted into any area without the risk of degrading the environment there.
The tribunal said the Ministry of Urban Development in coordination with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Ministry of Transport, authorities such as Planning Commission and States may carry out such study with the assistance of experts in the field.