The residents of Delhi and Mumbai are facing worsening air quality with rising air pollution in both cities. In Delhi, the air quality remained in the ‘very poor’ category for the fifth consecutive day, with an overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of 373 as of 9 a.m. on Wednesday, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The national capital and its neighbouring areas were covered with haze as the 24-hour average AQI reached 350, marking the highest level this season. This marked a significant increase from the AQI figures of 347 on Monday and 325 on Sunday, according to data shared by CPCB.

Specific areas in Delhi experienced severe pollution, with alarming AQI readings reported in various locations. Wazirpur recorded an exceptionally high AQI of 422, while Rohini and Anand Vihar registered levels of 405 and 424, respectively, all falling under the ‘very poor’ category as per CPCB.

As per SAFAR-India data, Delhi’s overall AQI stood at 336 on Wednesday, falling within the ‘Very Poor’ category.

#WATCH | Overall Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi stands at 336, in the 'Very Poor' category as per SAFAR-India.

A runner near Delhi's Mayur Vihar says, "It feels a bit uncomfortable to breathe while running due to pollution now as compared to in the summer months. I face… pic.twitter.com/81vH5XlCTB— ANI (@ANI) November 1, 2023

Prominent locations such as Delhi University, Terminal 3 of Delhi airport, Noida, IIT Delhi, and Gurugram witnessed AQI levels ranging from 329 to 391, all categorised as ‘very poor.’ Despite a decline in farm fires in Punjab, the Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi predicts that the ‘very poor’ air quality is likely to persist until November 3, with a high chance of continuation for the next six days.

Meanwhile, in response to the escalating air pollution crisis in Delhi, Environment Minister Gopal Rai declared on October 30 that, effective November 1, diesel buses coming from other states will be prohibited from entering Delhi-NCR. According to ANI, Rai said that the Delhi government is vigorously implementing its winter action plan, underscoring the critical significance of the next 15 days. The minister added that diesel buses coming from outside Delhi-NCR will switch to cleaner fuels, which is a big move to fight pollution.

Meanwhile, Mumbai’s overall AQI stood at 132, falling into the ‘moderate’ category. However, varying levels of pollution were recorded across different areas. Malad and Worli registered AQI values of 198 and 199, respectively, indicating a significant deterioration in air quality.

Surprisingly, some areas such as Andheri, Bhandup and Borivali enjoyed ‘satisfactory’ air quality.

The worsening air quality in Mumbai prompted the Bombay High Court to take suo motu cognizance of the situation, according to the report by Bar and Bench. The court also addressed concerns raised in a public interest litigation filed by residents Amar Tike, Anand Jha and Sanjay Surve, urging the Maharashtra government and BMC to implement immediate measures to curb air pollution. The petitioners highlighted the need for increased green cover through the plantation of fast-growing trees in public spaces.

(Edited by : Sudarsanan Mani)