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New Delhi, Oct 14 (IANS) As temperatures have started falling in the national capital, the city’s air quality has started deteriorating, raising concerns among residents and environment experts. A dense layer of smog is gradually covering Delhi, the air quality level is now deteriorating in many parts of the city.
According to data recorded on Tuesday morning, the average air quality index (AQI) across Delhi was 201, which falls in the ‘poor’ category. Most areas of the city are currently witnessing AQI levels between 200 and 300, indicating a marked deterioration in air quality as winter sets in.
Even iconic sites like India Gate are not untouched by the effects of pollution. Dense haze has engulfed the area, reducing visibility and posing health risks, especially to vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly and persons with respiratory problems.
Recent data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) suggests that this trend is likely to continue. On Monday, Delhi recorded AQI of 189, down from 167 on Sunday, both of which fall in the ‘moderate’ category. However, projections from the Centre’s Air Quality Early Warning System indicate that the air quality is expected to enter the ‘poor’ category by Tuesday. This would be the first time since June 11, when the AQI had reached 245, that the capital’s air quality has deteriorated to this level.
Between October 14 and 16, the AQI is expected to remain in the ‘poor’ range, with the AQI likely to remain between ‘poor’ and ‘very poor’ in the coming days, depending on weather conditions and pollution sources.
As per national standards, an AQI of 0-50 is considered ‘good’, 51-100 ‘satisfactory’, 101-200 ‘moderate’, 201-300 ‘poor’, 301-400 ‘very poor’, and 401-500 ‘severe’.
Environmentalists continue to urge residents to take necessary precautions including wearing masks and avoiding outdoor activities during peak pollution hours. With the festive season approaching and winter setting in, authorities are expected to step up measures to tackle rising pollution levels in the capital.
–IANS
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