Delhi’s Air Quality Deteriorates To ‘Very Poor’ Category
The Air Quality Index (AQI) in the national capital Delhi has further worsened on Sunday morning to the worse category of very poor as an indication of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
Another alarming development in the current pollution crisis in Delhi is the deterioration of air quality, with the residents of the city still struggling with the increasing concentration of smog and PM.
On Saturday morning, the AQI had been stuck in the poor category, which made the authorities continue to maintain the Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) effective throughout the regions of Delhi-NCR. Under Stage II, various preventive measures are taken, one of them being the frequency of mechanised road cleaning should be increased, dust emission by construction activities should be strictly controlled, and monitoring of vehicular pollution. Amidst such efforts, it has still resulted in the growth of pollution levels as a result of stagnant weather conditions and the growth in the emissions of both local and external sources. According to environmental experts, unless tougher measures are put in place, Delhi will soon fall into the severe category of air pollution.
Delhi’s Air Quality Area-Wise AQI Levels
As per CPCB data:
- Lodhi Road: 287 (very poor)
- India Gate and nearby areas: 325 (very poor)
- Ashram, Maharani Bagh: Also in the very poor category
Truck-mounted water sprinklers were deployed on Lodhi Road to tackle high particulate matter levels, as air quality across several regions continued to remain in the ‘very poor’ range.
Government’s Response: Cloud Seeding Initiative
Amid the worsening air quality, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Friday said that cloud seeding has become a necessity for Delhi and described it as a pioneering step in tackling the capital’s persistent environmental challenges.
She added that the government is hopeful of a successful outcome and believes the initiative could help overcome future environmental problems.
Health Experts Sound Alarm on Pollution- Illnesses
Former AIIMS Director Dr Randeep Guleria cautioned residents about the severe health risks posed by the current pollution levels and advised precautionary measures to limit exposure.
He added that even healthy individuals are reporting nasal congestion, throat irritation, chest tightness, and coughing. The situation, he warned, has worsened due to the use of crackers during the festive period.
Artificial Rain Plans Underway
Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa announced that clouds are expected over the city between October 28 and 30and the government is prepared to conduct artificial rain trials on October 29.
The Delhi government has secured the necessary permissions and is ready to begin physical trials, hoping to reduce pollution levels through induced rainfall.
Current AQI Status And GRAP Measures
- As of Sunday, the AQI in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) continues to fall under the ‘poor’ and ‘very poor’ categories.
- Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) remains in effect across the region.
- Authorities are closely monitoring pollution levels to track real-time changes in air quality.
- Control measures under Stage II are being actively implemented to curb emissions and reduce particulate matter.
- Actions include mechanised road cleaning, dust control at construction sitesand vehicular emission checks.
- The government is also reviewing compliance across sectors to ensure effective execution of GRAP measures.
