Delhi air quality remains 'very poor' despite AAP's 15-point pollution control plan
New Delhi, October 29: Delhi, Noida, and Gurugram find themselves in the clutches of 'Very Poor' to 'Poor' air quality, with Air Quality Index (AQI) levels ranging from 221 to 341, raising concerns for residents in the National Capital Region (NCR). Despite the implementation of a 15-point winter action plan aimed at curbing rising pollution, the battle against deteriorating air quality persists.
Efforts like 'Red Light on, Gaadi off' have been set in motion to address vehicular emissions and biomass burning, both of which contribute to the increasing PM2.5 levels. However, the haze is expected to persist, with 'Very Poor' air quality forecasted for the region from October 29 to 31, 2023.
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On Sunday, the overall air quality in the national capital was categorized as 'Very Poor,' according to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR)-India. The AQI in Delhi registered at 309 on Sunday morning.
SAFAR-India's latest data revealed an AQI of 341 (Very Poor) around Delhi University in the morning, while the IIT area recorded an AQI of 300. In the Lodhi Road area, the AQI stood at 262, falling within the 'Poor' category. At the Airport (T3), air quality was classified as 'Very Poor' with an AQI of 323.
In Noida, the recorded AQI was 317 (Very Poor), while Gurugram's air quality was categorized as 'Poor' with an AQI of 221.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a bulletin forecasting predominant surface winds from variable directions in Delhi, with wind speeds ranging from 4 to 8 kmph. This is expected to result in a mainly clear sky with morning mist on October 29.
Delhi's Environment Minister, Gopal Rai, emphasized the ongoing implementation of a 15-point winter action plan aimed at curbing pollution. Initiatives such as the 'Red Light on, Gaadi off' campaign, which aims to reduce pollution caused by vehicles and biomass burning, have already been initiated.
The data suggests that the levels of Particulate Matter (PM) 10 are decreasing, while those of PM2.5 are increasing. This indicates that pollution caused by vehicles and biomass burning is on the rise. The 'Red Light on, Gaadi off' campaign is a direct response to this concern.
As per the Air Quality and Weather Bulletin for Delhi, 'Very Poor' air quality conditions are expected to persist from October 29 to 31, 2023, underlining the continued challenges of battling pollution in the region.
- With inputs from agencies
