Delhi-NCR Air Quality Deteriorates as AQI and PM2.5 Levels Surge
Bhopal:
Air pollution has once again reached alarming levels across Delhi-NCR, with the capital’s air quality entering the ‘severe’ category on Friday, November 13. At 9:30 am, Delhi recorded an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 402, while the PM2.5 concentration climbed to 296 micrograms per cubic metre. Stubble-burning smoke, weak surface winds and unfavourable weather conditions are being considered major factors behind the sudden deterioration.
According to experts, changing wind patterns this week have carried smoke from crop residue burning in Punjab and Haryana towards Delhi through north-westerly winds. Although winds at higher altitudes reached nearly 34 kmph on Thursday, wind speeds closer to the ground remained considerably weaker. As a result, pollutants continued accumulating near the surface instead of dispersing.
Another major factor is the sharp reduction in the atmospheric mixing layer, the region in which pollutants spread and become less concentrated. Its height fell to around 400 metres on Thursday afternoon, compared with approximately 1,400 metres two days earlier. The absence of rainfall has further prevented airborne particles from being washed away.
Stubble burning is not the only source of pollution. Vehicle emissions, industrial discharge, construction dust and other local sources are also contributing to the deteriorating air quality. Particulate matter released by firecrackers after Diwali has added to the existing pollution burden.
Fine PM2.5 particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and increase the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular problems. With no immediate favourable change in weather conditions or strong surface winds expected, Delhi-NCR may have to wait for relief from the worsening pollution.
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