Delhi air worst in 288 days, AQI severe in 22 areas
New Delhi: Ahead of Diwali, air pollution in Delhi has taken a severe turn. The capital’s average Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 377 on Wednesday, the worst level in the past 288 days. Earlier, on January 20, the average AQI had been recorded at 378. Of the city’s 59 monitoring stations, air quality at 22 reached the severe category, while conditions at 32 stations remained very poor.
At the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi monitoring station, the AQI was recorded at 458. It stood at 448 each in Jahangirpuri and Punjabi Bagh, while Mundka recorded 439. According to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) standards, an AQI between 401 and 500 falls in the severe category. At this level, the high concentration of pollutants in the air can affect everyone’s health.
Stubble burning and smoke emitted by vehicles emerged as major contributors to the pollution. According to the Decision Support System of IITM Pune, stubble burning contributed 20.2 percent to Delhi’s pollution on Wednesday, while the transport sector contributed 15.5 percent. Industrial activities, construction work and domestic sources also added to pollution levels.
The main pollutant has also changed. PM10 was the dominant pollutant on Wednesday, whereas PM2.5 had a greater impact over the previous three consecutive days. PM10 is mainly associated with dust rising from roads and construction sites.
According to weather and air quality forecasts, Delhi’s air may reach the severe category on November 6 and 7. In view of the possibility of pollution rising around Diwali, the administration has also intensified monitoring. Experts have advised children, the elderly and people affected by respiratory illnesses to take special precautions.
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