Delhi's air quality continues to remain in the ‘moderate’ category, according to the latest data from the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR). As of 9:45 am on October 12, the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) for the national capital was recorded at 166. Despite the moderate classification, several areas within Delhi-NCR experienced ‘poor’ air quality levels, with notable hotspots surpassing an AQI of 200.

According to the SAFAR data, at 7:30 am IIT Delhi registered an AQI of 173, Noida stood at 145, Delhi Airport T3 recorded 193, and Gurugram reported an AQI of 162, all falling within the ‘moderate’ category. However, certain locations, including Anand Vihar (210), RK Puram (205), Bawana (261), Wazirpur (231), and Jahangirpuri (232), exhibited ‘poor’ air quality, as per the Central Pollution Control Board data.

The deteriorating air quality is a result of the ongoing stubble burning in the neighbouring states of Punjab, Haryana and UP, and the onset of winter in Delhi. To address this issue, the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is set to be implemented in the Delhi-NCR region, according to a report by The Times of India. The GRAP comprises a series of measures categorised into different stages based on air pollution levels. Stricter regulations were introduced earlier this year, encompassing restrictions on construction activities, the hotel industry, vehicular traffic, and industrial emissions, the TOI report added.

Under the GRAP framework, AQI levels in the range of 201-300 will be labelled as ‘poor’, falling under Stage 1 restrictions. AQI levels between 301-400 and 401-450 will be considered ‘very poor’ and ‘severe,’ which will attract Stage 2 and Stage 3 restrictions, respectively. Restrictions intensify further in the ‘severe+’ category for those above the 450 AQI mark.

Meanwhile, 13 teams, each dedicated to specific pollution hotspots, have been created to tackle air pollution issues, according to a report by the Indian Express. Delhi Environment Minister, Gopal Rai, announced the deployment of 60 anti-smog guns in these areas, the report added. The decision to take action in these hotspots was made after gathering information with a mobile van deployed to identify sources of air pollution. These areas were pinpointed by the Central Pollution Control Board and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee due to their high particulate matter concentrations a few years ago, the report added.

Delhi’s weather conditions have contributed to the persistence of these pollution levels, with clear skies, no rain and high humidity levels. The city experienced above-normal temperatures throughout October so far, with Monday's maximum temperature reaching 36.7 degrees Celsius, three degrees higher than the seasonal average, according to the Safdarjung weather station. The warm weather has exacerbated the challenges to tackle air pollution in the national capital.

(Edited by : Sudarsanan Mani)

First Published:Oct 12, 2023 1:24 PM IST