Delhi Air Pollution: Delhi-NCR Grapples with Dual Threat of Cold and Severe Pollution

The Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) is currently facing a formidable dual challenge as both the chill of winter and the menace of air pollution intensify simultaneously. Residents are beginning to feel the distinct nip in the air during nights and mornings, signaling the onset of colder weather. Concurrently, the air quality across various parts of Delhi has plummeted, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) soaring past the 400-mark in several localities, categorizing the air as 'severe'. This alarming combination poses significant health risks to the populace, especially as temperatures continue their downward trend.

Rising Cold and Dipping Temperatures

As the season progresses, the Delhi-NCR region is experiencing a noticeable. Increase in cold, particularly during the early morning and late evening hours. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted a further drop in temperatures in the coming days, indicating a more intense winter ahead. This seasonal shift often plays a critical role in trapping pollutants closer to the ground, thereby exacerbating air quality issues, while colder air, being denser, tends to settle, creating a lid that prevents the dispersion of particulate matter and other harmful gases, leading to a build-up of smog and making breathing difficult for residents.

Alarming Pollution Levels Across NCR

According to data released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the air quality in the national capital reached the 'severe' category on Monday, while at 7 AM, Delhi's average AQI was recorded at 346, placing it firmly in the 'very poor' category and nearing the 'severe' threshold. The situation in neighboring NCR cities was also concerning, with Noida registering an AQI of 336 and Ghaziabad at 302, both falling under the 'very poor' classification. These figures underscore a widespread air quality crisis across the entire NCR region, demanding urgent attention and mitigation efforts.

Specific Hotspots in Delhi

Within Delhi, several areas reported even more critical levels of pollution. CPCB data indicated that Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 379, Alipur 351, Ashok Vihar 373, and Bawana registered the highest at 412, while bawana's reading directly falls into the 'severe' category, signifying extremely hazardous conditions. On top of that, Chandni Chowk's AQI was 365, Burari's 389, ITO's 378, Mundka's 378, Okhla's 347, and PUSA's 348. All these readings are in the 'very poor' category, indicating significant. Health impacts for the general population and severe effects for sensitive groups.

A Persistent Problem: AQI Trends

The air quality in Delhi-NCR has been consistently poor over the past few days. On Sunday, the national capital's air quality was in the 'severe' category in the morning, with an AQI of 392 recorded by 7 AM. The day before, on Saturday, the capital's AQI had entered the 'very poor' category at 355. On Friday, the AQI was also in the 'very poor' category at 312. Since Diwali, the AQI in many areas of Delhi-NCR has remained in the 'poor' and 'very poor' categories, highlighting a persistent and ongoing challenge in managing air pollution levels in the region.

GRAP-2 Measures in Effect

In response to the deteriorating air quality, Stage 2 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) remains effective across Delhi-NCR. GRAP is a set of emergency measures implemented to combat air pollution based on its severity, while following the implementation of GRAP-2, the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) had already announced a doubling of parking fees across the national capital. This measure aims to discourage the use of private vehicles and encourage public transport, thereby reducing vehicular emissions, which are a significant contributor to air pollution.

Understanding AQI Categories

The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a tool used to communicate how clean or polluted the air currently is. According to the CPCB, an AQI between 0 and 50 is considered 'Good', meaning the air quality is satisfactory. An AQI between 51-100 is 'Satisfactory', posing little to no risk. 'Moderate' air quality falls between 101-200, which may cause breathing discomfort to people with lung disease, asthma, or heart disease. An AQI between 201-300 is deemed 'Poor', likely to cause breathing discomfort to most people on prolonged exposure, while 'Very Poor' air quality, ranging from 301-400, can cause respiratory illness on prolonged exposure. Finally, an AQI between 401-500 is classified as 'Severe', which can affect healthy people and seriously impact those with existing diseases. The fact that many areas in Delhi have reached the 'severe' category underscores. The critical nature of the current air quality situation, demanding immediate and sustained action.