Delhi’s air quality has worsened significantly, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) falling into the ‘very poor’ category on Monday, just a week ahead of Diwali. According to data from SAFAR-India, the AQI in several areas of the capital crossed 300, with the overall AQI recorded at 307, marking the first time this season that the air quality has deteriorated to such a level.
A thick blanket of smog enveloped many parts of the city, reducing visibility and raising concerns over the worsening pollution levels. Anand Vihar recorded the worst air quality in Delhi, with an AQI of 361, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The poor air quality, coupled with the thick smog, has led to widespread discomfort among residents.
The minimum temperature in Delhi settled at 20.4 degrees Celsius, two degrees above the seasonal average, with the maximum expected to reach 35.8 degrees Celsius. However, the focus remains on the severe air pollution levels, which have been exacerbated by a combination of factors, including stubble burning in neighboring states and local emissions.
One of the primary contributors to the declining air quality in Delhi is the seasonal stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana. This agricultural practice releases large quantities of smoke and particulate matter into the air, which then drifts into Delhi and the surrounding regions, significantly contributing to the pollution levels. On Sunday, stubble burning was responsible for 1.7% of the PM 2.5 concentration in Delhi’s air, a figure that is expected to rise to 7% by Tuesday.
PM 2.5 refers to fine particulate matter that is 2.5 micrometers or smaller in diameter, making it particularly dangerous as it can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream. This pollutant poses serious health risks, especially for vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions.
Meanwhile, the political blame game over Delhi’s pollution crisis has intensified. BJP’s Delhi chief Virendra Sachdeva criticized the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government for failing to implement effective pollution control measures. Sachdeva targeted former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and current Environment Minister Gopal Rai, accusing them of merely making statements instead of taking action. He also mentioned the Rs 20 crore smog tower installed by the Delhi government, which he referred to as a “crematorium,” alleging that it is non-functional.
On the other hand, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai and other officials inspected pollution control measures at the Anand Vihar bus depot. Rai highlighted that one of the major pollution sources in the area is the influx of buses from neighboring states and stressed that the Delhi government will collaborate with Uttar Pradesh to implement joint pollution control efforts.
As air quality continues to deteriorate, there is growing pressure on authorities to take swift and decisive action to mitigate the situation ahead of the festival season, which traditionally sees a further spike in pollution levels due to fireworks and increased vehicular emissions.
