As Delhi continues to choke with air quality slipping to “severe” in the last few days, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)-led task force on Monday recommended closure of all factories situated in the six industrial hotspots —Mundka, Narela, Faridabad, Wazirpur, Faridabad and Sahibabad — till Wednesday. The ban will also cover construction activities in Delhi, Faridabad, Gurugram, Ghaziabad and Noida till December 26. According to the SAFAR, the overall air quality in Delhi is expected to remain in severe range till Tuesday.
The move aims to give respite to residents from the increasing air-pollution level in the city. But it will also leave thousands of daily wagers employed with the industrial units and construction centres high and dry in the absence of any work in these areas.
Addressing a Press conference, Union Environment Secretary CK Mishra said that Delhi’s air quality remained in the “severe” level for the third consecutive day on Monday as wind speed and other meteorological factors remained “highly unfavourable” for dispersion of pollutants. He, however, hoped that the anti-pollution measures will help the pollution level to go down.
The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) task force that includes Government officials and environment, health and weather experts, advised the Environment Pollution Control Authority to intensify ground actions as suggested in a meeting chaired by Member Secretary (CPCB). The details of the meeting were shared by CBCB Chairman SPS Parihar to reporters here.
Traffic police has been suggested to ensure smooth traffic flow in areas with high traffic. The police department is strictly advised to ensure that non-destined heavy duty vehicles travel through eastern and western peripheral expressways. Concerned authorities are expected to take stringent action against illegal industries. The residents have been advised to avoid all physical activities outdoors and shift the same indoors, said Parihar.
The official said that since November 1, they have received around 7,600 complaints related to violation against norms with regard to pollution, construction activities and stubble and waste burning. Action has been taken in 70 per cent complaints.
Talking about anti-pollution measures, he said the pollution watchdog has slapped fine of Rs 1 crore each on three oil companies for their failure to install anti-pollution “vapour recovery” systems at fuel stations. Vapour recovery device is an instrument to capture displaced vapours that emerge from inside a vehicle’s fuel tank during filling. “We have also issued notice to SDMC and EDMC for failing to check pollution in their areas,” he added.
The authorities have swung into action as Delhi’s air quality remained in the severe category for the third consecutive day on Monday and the city faced its highest pollution level since Diwali. While the CPCB data showed the overall air quality index (AQI) at “severe” level of 448, the Centre-run System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting (SAFAR) showed an AQI of 468.
On Monday, Delhi’s air quality was recorded at 448 which falls in the ‘severe’ category, the CPCB said. Thirty areas in the city recorded ‘severe’ air quality while it was ‘very poor’ in five areas, it said.
In the adjoining areas, Noida recorded the worst air quality with an AQI of 464. Faridabad and Ghaziabad also recorded ‘severe’ air quality and Gurugram recorded very poor air quality, the data showed.
The overall PM2.5 level -- fine particulate matter in the air with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometer -- was recorded at 407 and the PM10 level at 581 here, the CPCB said.
The national Capital recorded its second highest pollution level of the year on Sunday with an AQI of 450. According to the SAFAR, the overall air quality in Delhi is expected to remain in severe range until Tuesday.
“Recovery got delayed mainly due to slowing of wind speed leading to persistence of fog which rapidly multiplied finer particles leading to rapid increase in PM2.5 and even PM1 (fine particulate matter in the air with a diameter of less than 1 micrometer),” the SAFAR said.
“Improvement is expected from late Tuesday evening only when radiation fog get dissipated with sufficient sunshine,” it said.
According to the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), the air quality is likely to improve on Tuesday, but will remain in the upper end of the ‘very poor to severe’ category.
“The wind speed and ventilation index are highly unfavourable for dispersion of pollutants,” it said. Ventilation index is the speed at which pollutants can get dispersed. A ventilation index lower than 6000 sqm/second, with average wind speed less than 10 kmph, is unfavourable for dispersion of pollutants. The index was 4500 sqm/second on Monday, the IITM said.
In a health advisory, the SAFAR asked Delhiites not to rely on common dust masks for protection. The agency has advised people to avoid all outdoor activities, such as taking walks.
“If the room has windows, close them, if the air conditioner provides a fresh air intake option then choose it, avoid burning anything such as wood, candle or even an incense stick,” it said.
The advisory also recommended frequent wet mopping and using masks known as N-95 or P-100 respirators only for outdoor activities. “Do not rely on dust masks for protection,” the advisory added.