Delhi Air Quality Improves to ‘Very Poor’ After Severe Pollution
New Delhi: Thursday marked an improved air quality in Delhi; the air quality index reduced from ‘severe’ to ‘very poor’ after five consecutive days of harmful pollution. The improvement was apparently due to higher wind speeds and less intense fogs; however, min. Temp. Touched 10.2°C, two degrees below normal from the mean.
The CPCB-AQI, just like the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s term, registered an average AQI of 376, classified as ‘very poor,’ during 9 a.m. Thursday, however, at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, was 419, which was classified as ‘severe.’ Among 38 air quality monitoring stations in Delhi, 11 came under the severe category while others under the very poor category continued to prevail. Wazirpur topped the list with an AQI of 436, while Jahangirpuri was close behind with a score of 435. There were two stations which were out of the station.
The very poor category was defined by CPCB ratings as having AQI between 301 and 400, and the severe category had AQI above 400. Delhi had a reading of 494 on Monday, tying for the second-highest AQI recorded in Delhi. AQI had a constant rate at the “severe” level from November 16, and an average AQI of 396 was marked on November 15.
Temperature has been identified as a contributing factor to the deterioration of air quality earlier in the week since it reduces wind speed and, thus, the effectiveness of the dispersion of the pollute. However, some of the daytime temperatures have started rising as fogs over northwest India have thinned out, leading to enhanced pollution conditions.
Nevertheless, pollution prevention still remains a big challenge in the country. Health officers have advised people to avoid going out or to reduce time outdoors, and also, if indoors, to use an air filter. Measures aimed at the reduction of polluting the environment, including controlling vehicle emissions and limiting industry operation, remain relevant.
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