NEW DELHI: The air quality in the city plummeted back to a severe category by Friday evening after lingering in the very-poor range until earlier in the day. The air quality index (AQI) registered a concerning reading of 373 at 10 am. Despite this early figure, the absence of robust winds led to a minor decline as the AQI nudged up to 379 by noon, further deteriorating to 388 by 3 pm, escalating to 393 by 4 pm, and finally reaching a troubling 401 by 6 pm.
On Friday, the city experienced variable winds blowing from westerly, north-westerly, and easterly directions, with speeds fluctuating between 2-6 kmph. Morning conditions were characterized by harmful shallow fog and smog, compounding the air quality crisis. These adverse weather parameters, combined with low temperatures that dipped to a minimum of 11 degrees Celsius and peaked at a maximum of 27.2 degrees Celsius, resulted in a troubling accumulation of pollutants throughout the day.
The average AQI at 4 pm stood at a hazardous 393, marking a significant increase from the 371 recorded the day prior, confirming that Delhi remains the most polluted city in the region. Neighbouring Greater Noida reported an AQI of 262 (classified as poor), while Noida recorded 312 (very poor), and both Gurgaon and Ghaziabad reported 302 (very poor). Faridabad also faced pollution issues with an AQI of 292 (poor).
Despite the ongoing implementation of GRAP-IV restrictions and the eventual dispersal of the fog layer, the primary sources of pollution remained relatively unchanged. On Thursday, it was reported that stubble burning attributed 17.9% to the total pollution levels, while local transport emerged as the highest polluter, causing 18.2% of emissions.
According to an early warning system established by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), predominant surface winds from the west at speeds of less than 4 kmph are anticipated on Saturday, which will likely facilitate the recurrence of smog or shallow fog throughout the morning, evening, and night hours. The afternoon winds are projected to strengthen to 6 kmph from the northwest, followed by a decrease in speed back to below 4 kmph during the evening and night.
The IITM has predicted that the AQI will remain in a very poor category. “With a ventilation index dropping below 6,000 m2/s and an average wind speed under 10 kmph, conditions are highly unfavorable for pollutant dispersion. We expect the air quality to persist in the very poor range from November 23-25,” stated IITM. The forecast for the following six days indicates a continued very poor AQI trend.
The dangerous PM2.5 level in the city on Thursday, measured until 7 pm, fluctuated between 160.9 and 196.8 micrograms per cubic metre, starkly exceeding the stringent 24-hour national standard of 60 micrograms per cubic metre, and 15 units according to WHO standards. PM10 levels were similarly alarming, ranging from 281.7 to 327.2 micrograms per cubic metre, well above the national standard of 100 units and the 45 units prescribed by WHO standards.
Delhi environment minister Gopal Rai has taken initiative by writing to the Delhi chief secretary, emphasizing the necessity of rigorous adherence to GRAP measures. “All departments are required to submit daily reports detailing their actions and progress in implementing GRAP guidelines. This data will be vital for assessing the effectiveness of measures in place and pinpointing areas that require enhanced focus. Moreover, enforcement mechanisms utilized by various departments must be sharpened. Stricter penalties should be enforced against violators of pollution control norms, which include unauthorized construction and demolition, open waste burning, and the burning of Parali, among other pollution-contributing activities,” Rai asserted.
Gurgaon’s air quality, meanwhile, slipped into the ‘very poor’ classification after managing to stay in the ‘poor’ zone for a brief period. Experts have attributed this decline to the persistently low wind speeds, which have proved ineffective in dispersing pollutants. The Gwalpahari station recorded an AQI of 354, marking it as the most polluted area, and covering pivotal locations such as the Gurgaon-Faridabad road, Golf Course road, and several high-rise buildings. Following a temporary respite, air quality in Noida and Ghaziabad also deteriorated, slipping back into the troubling ‘very poor’ category.
### Interview on New Delhi’s Air Quality Crisis
### Interview on New Delhi’s Air Quality Crisis
**Host:** Good evening, everyone. Today we have Dr. Meera Singh, an environmental scientist and air quality expert, with us to discuss the recent alarming air quality situation in New Delhi. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Singh.
**Dr. Singh:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** Let’s start with the current situation. As you know, New Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) reached a severe level of 401 by Friday evening. Can you explain what severity like this means for the citizens?
**Dr. Singh:** Certainly. An AQI of 401 falls into the “severe” category, which poses significant health risks to everyone, but especially vulnerable populations like children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions. At this level, even healthy individuals may experience serious health effects, and everyone should avoid outdoor activities.
**Host:** The report indicates that the AQI was 373 at 10 am but increased throughout the day. What factors contributed to this deterioration?
**Dr. Singh:** A combination of factors led to this increase. Firstly, the absence of strong winds meant that pollutants remained trapped in the air, leading to higher concentrations. Variable winds and low temperatures, which created conditions for fog and smog, further exacerbated the situation. This trapping of pollutants creates a cumulative effect, pushing the AQI into more dangerous territory as the day progresses.
**Host:** In terms of sources of pollution, what are the key contributors in this situation?
**Dr. Singh:** There are two primary sources we should look at. According to recent data, local transport accounts for about 18.2% of the emissions, making it the largest contributor. Stubble burning, while it does account for roughly 17.9% of pollution levels, often gets more attention during particular seasons, but it’s the ongoing emissions from vehicles that continually impact air quality, particularly during stagnant weather conditions like we’ve seen recently.
**Host:** What does the forecast look like for the upcoming days?
**Dr. Singh:** Based on predictions from the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, we can expect the AQI to remain in the “very poor” to “severe” range from November 23rd to 25th. The forecast indicates low wind speeds will continue to hinder pollutant dispersal, maintaining these unhealthy air quality levels.
**Host:** What measures can citizens take to protect themselves during this air quality crisis?
**Dr. Singh:** It’s crucial for people to monitor the AQI and limit outdoor activities, particularly strenuous exercise, when levels are high. Using air purifiers indoors and wearing masks when going outside can also help reduce exposure to harmful particles. Governments need to enforce stricter measures to curb emissions from transport and other industrial activities to bring long-term improvements.
**Host:** Thank you, Dr. Singh, for those insights. It’s clear that the air quality crisis in New Delhi requires both immediate action from individuals and serious policy measures from authorities to address the underlying issues.
**Dr. Singh:** Thank you for shedding light on this critical issue. It’s vital we take collective steps towards cleaner air.
**Host:** That’s all for today, folks. Stay safe and keep monitoring the air quality around you. Thank you for tuning in.
