The capital city of India, Delhi, is grappling with a severe air pollution crisis, as the Air Quality Index (AQI) continues to register alarming levels. On Saturday, November 4, 2023, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported an AQI of 413 in several areas of Delhi, categorizing the air quality as “severe.” This deteriorating air quality has triggered an emergency response from the government as it poses a significant threat to public health and the environment.
In the wake of this alarming situation, various measures have been undertaken to address the pollution crisis. The AQI in specific regions of Delhi paints a grim picture. Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 448, Jahangirpuri stood at 421, Dwarka Sector-8 at 435, and the Indira Gandhi International Airport (T3) reported an AQI of 421. The neighboring region of Noida also faced similar challenges, with sector 116 registering an AQI of 426, and sector 62 at 428.
The recent surge in pollution can be attributed to a combination of factors. Unfavorable northwesterly winds have been bringing pollutants from stubble fires in the neighboring states, exacerbating the already dire situation. Additionally, calmer wind conditions and dipping temperatures have hindered the dispersion of pollutants, contributing to the persistence of “very poor” to “severe” air quality levels in the region.
To combat this crisis, the government has initiated a multi-pronged approach to mitigate the pollution and safeguard the health of Delhi’s residents. One of the key strategies is the implementation of stage III of the pollution control plan. This plan outlines a comprehensive set of actions and regulations aimed at curbing emissions from various sources, including vehicular emissions, industrial activities, and construction dust.
In addition to the pollution control plan, the government has also deployed anti-smog guns. These devices release fine water droplets into the air, which help in capturing and settling down particulate matter, thereby reducing air pollution. The use of anti-smog guns is an innovative approach to address immediate air quality concerns.
Furthermore, the ‘Red light on, Gaadi off’ campaign has been re-launched. This campaign encourages motorists to switch off their engines while waiting at traffic signals or in congested areas, thereby reducing unnecessary emissions. This simple yet effective measure can significantly contribute to the reduction of vehicular pollution.
Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena recently held a meeting with the environment minister, Gopal Rai, to discuss the gravity of the situation and plan further actions to combat the pollution crisis. The collaboration between various government agencies and stakeholders is essential to effectively address the persistent air quality issues in Delhi.
It is crucial to understand the significance of the Air Quality Index (AQI) and how it impacts daily life. An AQI between 0-50 is considered “good,” indicating that the air is relatively clean and poses no health risks. When the AQI falls in the range of 51-100, it is categorized as “satisfactory.” An AQI between 101-200 is labeled “moderate,” suggesting that the air quality is acceptable but may have a slight impact on sensitive individuals. However, when the AQI reaches 201-300, it falls into the “poor” category, signifying that the air quality is noticeably deteriorating. “Very poor” conditions are observed in the range of 301-400, indicating that the air quality is a matter of concern. When the AQI surpasses 400, it is classified as “severe,” as is the current situation in Delhi.
An AQI above 500 falls into the “severe plus” category, which poses a severe health risk to the general population. It is crucial for residents to take precautions and adhere to the government’s guidelines during such hazardous air quality conditions.
The current pollution crisis in Delhi underscores the pressing need for comprehensive, long-term measures to combat air pollution and protect public health. While emergency actions are essential in the short term, a sustainable approach to reducing pollution at its source is crucial for the well-being of Delhi’s residents. Public awareness, cooperation, and responsible actions from individuals, industries, and policymakers are vital in addressing this critical issue and ensuring cleaner and healthier air for all.
