New Delhi: A layer of haze hung over Delhi and its surrounding areas on Wednesday, with the capital’s air quality Index (AQI) slipping deeper into the ‘very poor’ category primarily due to a dip in temperature and calm winds during the night.
In a move to tackle the air pollution and promote eco-friendly transportation, the Delhi government has issued a directive directing all buses originating from Haryana must run on electric, CNG, or BS-VI diesel from November 1.
The air quality index (AQI) in Delhi was recorded at 321 at 11 am, which is considered ‘very poor’. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), an AQI between 301 and 400 is considered ‘very poor’ and can cause respiratory illness on prolonged exposure.
Several areas within the city such as Nehru Nagar (402), Sonia Vihar (412), Rohini (403), Wazirpur (422), Bawana (403), Mundka (407), Anand Vihar (422), and New Moti Bagh (435), experienced a drastic deterioration in air quality, plunging into the ‘severe’ category.
The weather office has forecasted a shallow fog for Wednesday. The air quality in IIT Delhi region remained poor category with AQI of 329, Airport (T3) 339 and Mathura road witnessed AQI of 362.
The concentration of PM2.5 — fine particulate matter which can penetrate deep into the respiratory system when inhaled and trigger respiratory problems — at these places was six to seven times the safe limit of 60 microgrammes per cubic metre.
Earlier on October 31, the Supreme Court expressed grave concern over Delhi’s deteriorating air quality and asked Delhi and four neighboring states to submit a report on steps they have taken to curb pollution. Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh have been given a week time to submit a detailed account of the measures implemented to combat the situation. A three-judge bench headed by Justice SK Kaul and comprising Justices Sudhanshu Dhulia and PK Mishra will now hear the matter on November 7.