Air Pollution: Smog blankets Delhi-NCR Photo: AP/Manish Swarup Air Pollution: Smog blankets Delhi-NCR Photo: AP/Manish Swarup

Delhi’s air pollution continues to be a major concern as the city is still recording some of the worst air quality levels in the world.fbjili

The air quality in the national capital on Friday remained in the “very poor” category.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 332.

This follows a troubling trend as the AQI rose significantly, reaching 325 at 8 am, a rise from 303 on Wednesday morning.

As a result, a blanket of persistent smog shrouded the city. It obscured landmarks like India Gate, while PM2.5 and PM10 levels hovered in the hazardous range.

The AQI levels in various parts of the city were even higher. Anand Vihar recorded an alarming AQI of 392, while Ashok Vihar stood at 353. The IGI Airport Road recorded an AQI of 337 and Jahangirpuri reached 372.

Out of the 39 monitoring stations across the city, Bawana (426) and Mundka (408) reported air quality levels in the “severe” category.

Twenty-two stations remained in the “very poor” range. The rest of the stations reported an AQI in the “poor” category.

However, a few locations, including Major Dhyanchand Stadium (297) and Chandni Chowk (268), showed slightly better air quality. It fell under the “poor” category.

The air quality in Delhi is classified using a scale where AQI readings between 0 and 50 are considered “good”, and those between 301 and 400 are categorized as “very poor”.

It poses significant health risks, especially to people with pre-existing medical conditions. Levels above 400 are considered “severe”.

Anything exceeding 450 is deemed “severe plus”, with potentially dangerous consequences for everyone.

Apart from the ongoing pollution, Delhi also witnessed the coldest night of the season. The nighttime temperature dipped to 9.5 degrees Celsius, just a notch below normal.

The morning humidity level was recorded at 97%. The weather department forecasts a mainly clear sky for the day. The maximum and minimum temperatures are expected to be around 27°C and 9°C, respectively.

The Supreme Court, in response to this worsening air quality, on Thursday directed that the heightened restrictions under Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) continue in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR).

The court also emphasized that the decision by the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and adjoining areas (CAQM) to ease restrictions on schools in Delhi-NCR would remain in effect.

GRAP Stage 4 restrictions involve a ban on diesel-run medium and heavy goods vehicles that are registered in Delhi, among other measures designed to mitigate the severe air pollution impacting the region.

The apex court’s order ensures that these measures will remain in force until at least December 2, 2024, as part of ongoing efforts to combat the city’s toxic air.

Under Stage IV restrictions, stricter measures are in place, which include a ban on diesel-run medium and heavy goods vehicles except for those carrying essential goods or using cleaner fuels like LNG, CNG, BS-VI diesel or electric power.

Non-essential light commercial vehicles registered outside Delhi are also restricted unless they meet electric or BS-VI diesel standards.

These efforts aim to reduce the harmful pollutants contributing to Delhi’s ongoing air quality crisis.fbjili

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