As of 8 AM, the Air Quality Index in Delhi stands at a concerning level of 379, which is classified as ‘very poor.’
New Delhi:
A persistent blanket of smog continues to shroud Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) on Thursday, with air quality just marginally improving to the ‘very poor’ category after languishing in the ‘severe’ bracket for an alarming eight consecutive days.
Data released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) indicates that, at 8 AM, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi reached 379, categorized as ‘very poor.’ However, certain areas still reported severe air quality levels, including Anand Vihar at 405, Ashok Vihar at 414, Bawana at 418, Dwarka Sector-8 at 401, Mundka at 413, and Wazirpur, which recorded an even higher figure of 436.
The AQI figures reveal that Chandni Chowk recorded 338, IGI Airport (T3) showed 370, ITO was at 355, Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium came in at 354, RK Puram measured 387, Okhla Phase 2 registered 370, Patparganj was at 381, Sonia Vihar logged 394, and Aya Nagar noted 359—all categorised as ‘very poor.’
In response to the deteriorating conditions, some flights experienced delays since early morning, according to data from FlightRadar24, while ANI reported that several trains have also faced delays or rescheduling, affecting daily commuters.
#WATCH | A layer of haze obscures the Barapulla area in Delhi. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the air quality in this location remains in the ‘Severe’ category.
(Drone visuals shot at 8.10 AM) pic.twitter.com/CJaVOAr77Y
— ANI (@ANI) November 21, 2024
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has activated Stage-IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). This has led to several measures being implemented, including the prohibition of truck entry into the city and a suspension of public construction projects in response to the hazardous air conditions. Additionally, the Delhi government has mandated that all government offices and those under the Municipal Corporation of Delhi operate at 50 percent staffing capacity, with the remaining staff allowed to work from home.
As part of the revised GRAP guidelines, physical classes for students up to Class V must be halted in the NCR states under GRAP Stage III, while classes up to Class XII must be discontinued under GRAP Stage IV. Furthermore, a “mask advisory” has been introduced under GRAP Stage IV, urging residents to wear masks when outdoors during times of poor air quality. These measures come as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warns of moderate to dense fog in the coming days, which could further complicate the ongoing pollution crisis.
Meanwhile, on Wednesday, the Delhi Police took action against rising pollution levels by directing social media and e-commerce platforms to halt the online sale and delivery of firecrackers within the National Capital Territory (NCT) immediately.
#WATCH | Dense haze covers the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Delhi. As indicated by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the air quality in this area remains in the ‘Very Poor’ category.
(Drone visuals shot at 8.10 AM) pic.twitter.com/Xt2zOgkpOw
— ANI (@ANI) November 21, 2024
In another troubling environmental development, visibly toxic foam has been spotted floating on the Yamuna River in areas such as Kalindi Kunj and Okhla Barrage. Visual imagery also revealed fog engulfing the Taj Mahal, situated in Agra, where air quality has been assessed as ‘moderate.’
An AQI measurement categorizes levels as “poor” between 200 and 300, “very poor” at 301 to 400, “severe” at 401 to 450, and any level above 450 is considered “severe plus.”
With inputs from agencies
**How do geographical and infrastructural factors contribute to air quality disparities in different neighborhoods of Delhi?**
**Interview on Delhi’s Air Quality Crisis**
**Host:** Welcome to our special segment on air quality issues. Today, we have with us Dr. Alok Mishra, an environmental scientist and air quality expert. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Mishra.
**Dr. Mishra:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** Let’s dive right in. As of 8 AM today, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi stands at a concerning 379, classified as ‘very poor.’ This marks a slight improvement after eight consecutive days in the ‘severe’ category. What does this mean for the residents of Delhi?
**Dr. Mishra:** That’s correct. While a slight improvement is welcome, an AQI of 379 still poses significant health risks. At this level, even healthy individuals may experience respiratory issues, and for vulnerable populations—like children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions—the risks increase dramatically. The persistent smog we see is a clear indication of continued air pollution problems.
**Host:** We’ve seen reports indicating severe air quality levels in certain neighborhoods, with Anand Vihar and Wazirpur hitting 405 and 436, respectively. Why do you think some areas are disproportionately affected?
**Dr. Mishra:** Air quality can vary drastically within a city due to factors such as traffic congestion, industrial emissions, and geographical features that trap pollutants. Areas like Anand Vihar and Wazirpur often experience higher pollution due to heavy traffic and a concentration of construction activities. Local weather conditions can also exacerbate the situation, causing pollution to linger in certain areas longer than others.
**Host:** In response to these deteriorating conditions, the Commission for Air Quality Management has activated Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which includes prohibiting truck entry and suspending public construction. How effective do you think these measures will be?
**Dr. Mishra:** Implementing such measures is crucial and can provide immediate relief. Reducing vehicular emissions and limiting construction dust can help lower pollution levels significantly. However, for these measures to be effective, they must be enforced consistently and supported by long-term strategies, such as improving public transportation and transitioning to cleaner fuels.
**Host:** There have been reports of flight delays and train rescheduling due to the poor air quality. How does this impact both the local economy and daily commuters?
**Dr. Mishra:** Poor air quality not only affects health but can also disrupt daily life and economic activities. Delays in transport can lead to lost productivity and increased stress among commuters. Furthermore, it can deter tourism and impact local businesses, particularly those reliant on foot traffic and travel.
**Host:** with schools adjusting to the air quality situation by suspending physical classes for younger students, what steps can parents take to protect their children?
**Dr. Mishra:** Parents should keep children indoors during peak pollution hours, ensure they wear masks when going outside, and use air purifiers at home if possible. Educating them about the importance of air quality and encouraging indoor activities can also help. Most importantly, advocating for cleaner air policies and participating in community initiatives can contribute to long-term solutions.
**Host:** Thank you for your insights, Dr. Mishra. It’s crucial that we stay informed and proactive during such challenging times.
**Dr. Mishra:** Thank you for shedding light on this important issue.