As the Diwali celebrations draw near, Delhi’s air quality has shown a slight improvement, though it remains a significant concern. The Air Quality Index (AQI) in the capital recorded a reading of 237 early Saturday, down from 283 the previous day. Despite this minor drop, areas such as ITI Jahangirpuri continue to experience high pollution levels, with AQI readings reaching 265. Authorities warn that pollution levels may worsen as the festival approaches, potentially reaching hazardous levels within the next few days.
A layer of smog engulfed certain parts of the national capital. The AQI recorded on Friday was 283
AQI today in ITI Jahangirpuri read 265 while AQI around India gate area was recorded at 237 which fell in the 'poor' category. The AQI at India Gate improved slightly, being recorded at 276 on Friday.
The AQI in Anand Vihar area has worsened since Friday, as the area recorded 367 today at 8 am while it was recorded at 218 yesterday.
As the national capital battles pollution, residents also complained of breathing issues.
Weather Shifts and Temperature Changes
Delhi's weather is currently fluctuating, with residents eagerly anticipating cooler temperatures. Although October is nearing its end, warm conditions persist, especially in the mornings and evenings. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts a dip in temperatures on October 30-31, predicting Saturday's maximum and minimum temperatures at 33°C and 19°C, respectively. The recent cyclonic storm Dana may further influence Delhi’s weather over the weekend, contributing to the changing climate.
Health Risks Due to Air Pollution
The combination of shifting weather and elevated pollution levels presents health challenges for residents of Delhi. Smog has blanketed parts of the city, filling the air with harmful pollutants and resulting in respiratory issues among the population. Hospitals report an increase in patients suffering from respiratory illnesses, including colds, coughs, and flu-like symptoms.
To address the deteriorating air quality, Delhi authorities have implemented stage two of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). This has led to some initial relief, particularly in areas like Anand Vihar, where the AQI dropped to 246 from levels that had frequently exceeded 300 and even reached up to 400.
Anticipated Weather Patterns Ahead
As the impact of Cyclone Dana continues, the IMD expects a gradual decline in temperatures over the coming weeks. Mild winter conditions are projected to start in November, leading to colder nights following Diwali and the Chhath festival. Severe winter temperatures are anticipated by mid-November, prompting residents to prepare for the colder season with heavier clothing and blankets.
Ongoing Monitoring of Air Quality
Despite the slight improvement in air quality, concerns persist as Delhi's AQI was recorded at 235, indicating a 'poor' level, according to SAFAR-India. The Air Quality Early Warning System (EWS) for Delhi, under the Union Ministry of Earth Sciences, forecasts that air quality will likely remain in the ‘very poor’ category on Sunday.
“The outlook for the following six days from Sunday suggests air quality is expected to fall within the ‘very poor’ to ‘severe’ range. Meteorological conditions remain unfavorable for effective pollutant dispersion as calm winds prevail at night,” stated the EWS.
Earlier on Friday, Delhi environment minister Gopal Rai had announced that the government will monitor hotspots across Delhi through drones, adding that his government is working day and night to control the pollution.
He also visited the Wazirpur industrial area, which is one of the 13 hotspots in the city.
Speaking to mediapersons, Rai said, "As we had announced a winter action plan to control winter pollution, in that winter action plan, different measures are being taken to control pollution, to control vehicle pollution, to control biomass burning. The Aam Aadmi Party government is working day and night. But as you all know in our 13 hotspots, the level of pollution is higher than the normal AQI level in Delhi. Therefore, this time we decided that we would monitor hotspots through drones and under that, today Wazirpur is one of our 13 hot spots. Here today the drone has been piloted by the panel agency."
Delhi's air quality typically deteriorates during this season, raising health concerns among residents and underscoring the need for urgent interventions. The AQI is classified into six levels: 0-50 (Good), 51-100 (Satisfactory), 101-200 (Moderate), 201-300 (Poor), 301-400 (Very Poor), and 401-500 (Severe).
(With inputs from ANI)
A layer of smog engulfed certain parts of the national capital. The AQI recorded on Friday was 283
AQI today in ITI Jahangirpuri read 265 while AQI around India gate area was recorded at 237 which fell in the 'poor' category. The AQI at India Gate improved slightly, being recorded at 276 on Friday.
The AQI in Anand Vihar area has worsened since Friday, as the area recorded 367 today at 8 am while it was recorded at 218 yesterday.
As the national capital battles pollution, residents also complained of breathing issues.
Weather Shifts and Temperature Changes
Delhi's weather is currently fluctuating, with residents eagerly anticipating cooler temperatures. Although October is nearing its end, warm conditions persist, especially in the mornings and evenings. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts a dip in temperatures on October 30-31, predicting Saturday's maximum and minimum temperatures at 33°C and 19°C, respectively. The recent cyclonic storm Dana may further influence Delhi’s weather over the weekend, contributing to the changing climate.
#WATCH | Delhi | Morning walkers and joggers work out at Kartavya Path as air quality around India Gate slightly improves to 237, categorised as 'Poor' according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). pic.twitter.com/1pt8qoogDb
— ANI (@ANI) October 26, 2024
Health Risks Due to Air Pollution
The combination of shifting weather and elevated pollution levels presents health challenges for residents of Delhi. Smog has blanketed parts of the city, filling the air with harmful pollutants and resulting in respiratory issues among the population. Hospitals report an increase in patients suffering from respiratory illnesses, including colds, coughs, and flu-like symptoms.
To address the deteriorating air quality, Delhi authorities have implemented stage two of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). This has led to some initial relief, particularly in areas like Anand Vihar, where the AQI dropped to 246 from levels that had frequently exceeded 300 and even reached up to 400.
Anticipated Weather Patterns Ahead
As the impact of Cyclone Dana continues, the IMD expects a gradual decline in temperatures over the coming weeks. Mild winter conditions are projected to start in November, leading to colder nights following Diwali and the Chhath festival. Severe winter temperatures are anticipated by mid-November, prompting residents to prepare for the colder season with heavier clothing and blankets.
Ongoing Monitoring of Air Quality
Despite the slight improvement in air quality, concerns persist as Delhi's AQI was recorded at 235, indicating a 'poor' level, according to SAFAR-India. The Air Quality Early Warning System (EWS) for Delhi, under the Union Ministry of Earth Sciences, forecasts that air quality will likely remain in the ‘very poor’ category on Sunday.
“The outlook for the following six days from Sunday suggests air quality is expected to fall within the ‘very poor’ to ‘severe’ range. Meteorological conditions remain unfavorable for effective pollutant dispersion as calm winds prevail at night,” stated the EWS.
Earlier on Friday, Delhi environment minister Gopal Rai had announced that the government will monitor hotspots across Delhi through drones, adding that his government is working day and night to control the pollution.
He also visited the Wazirpur industrial area, which is one of the 13 hotspots in the city.
Speaking to mediapersons, Rai said, "As we had announced a winter action plan to control winter pollution, in that winter action plan, different measures are being taken to control pollution, to control vehicle pollution, to control biomass burning. The Aam Aadmi Party government is working day and night. But as you all know in our 13 hotspots, the level of pollution is higher than the normal AQI level in Delhi. Therefore, this time we decided that we would monitor hotspots through drones and under that, today Wazirpur is one of our 13 hot spots. Here today the drone has been piloted by the panel agency."
Delhi's air quality typically deteriorates during this season, raising health concerns among residents and underscoring the need for urgent interventions. The AQI is classified into six levels: 0-50 (Good), 51-100 (Satisfactory), 101-200 (Moderate), 201-300 (Poor), 301-400 (Very Poor), and 401-500 (Severe).
(With inputs from ANI)
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