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The city of Delhi is currently grappling with a severe air pollution crisis, experiencing its worst air quality in nearly a month. On Tuesday, the Air Quality Index (AQI) soared to 433, firmly placing it in the 'severe' category. This alarming level signifies a significant deterioration in air quality, impacting the health and well-being of Delhi's residents. The toxic haze engulfing the city is a stark reminder of the ongoing environmental challenges facing the megacity. The last time the AQI reached such a high level was on November 19th, when it hit 460. This current surge in pollution is attributed to a combination of factors, primarily the stillness of the winds and the formation of shallow to moderate fog. These conditions effectively trap pollutants, preventing their dispersal and leading to a rapid increase in AQI levels. The meteorological department has issued a yellow alert, forecasting moderate to dense fog for the next three days, further exacerbating the situation.
The authorities have responded to this escalating crisis by implementing measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). Initially, stage III of the GRAP was invoked, but as the AQI surpassed 400 during the night, stage IV was implemented immediately. Stage IV of the GRAP involves stringent measures, including a ban on the entry of non-essential trucks running on non-cleaner fuels and a halt to construction activities on large-scale linear public projects. These projects include highways, roads, flyovers, overbridges, power transmission lines, and pipelines. These actions aim to curb emissions and improve air quality, but their efficacy is often debated given the scale of the pollution problem and the limited control over emissions from diverse sources.
Experts predict that the air quality will remain severe throughout Wednesday, with no significant improvement expected. The calm winds are hindering the dispersion of pollutants, and the increased humidity levels due to a western disturbance impacting northwest India are contributing to the formation of fog, further trapping pollutants. Mahesh Palawat, vice-president of Skymet Meteorology, emphasized the role of these meteorological factors in the persistent poor air quality. However, there is a glimmer of hope as wind speeds are expected to increase on Thursday once the influence of the western disturbance subsides, potentially leading to some improvement in air quality. This highlights the delicate interplay between meteorological conditions and air pollution levels in Delhi.
This November has witnessed a concerning number of severe air pollution days, totaling eight days with severe AQI levels, including two days that exceeded 450 and were categorized as ‘severe-plus.’ Twenty-two days experienced very poor air quality. On November 18th, the AQI reached a staggering 494, making it the second-most polluted day ever recorded in Delhi. Despite this, the first half of December presented a relatively better air quality situation compared to the previous year. This underscores the seasonal variability of air pollution levels in Delhi, often worsening in the second half of winter. Anumita Roychowdhury of the Centre for Science and Environment highlights the recurring pattern of pollution spikes in the latter part of winter due to intensified cold and calm conditions. The upward trend in annual and winter average PM2.5 levels further emphasizes the need for sustained and intensified action to mitigate air pollution in Delhi and the surrounding region.
The ongoing air pollution crisis in Delhi underscores the urgent need for comprehensive and sustained strategies to tackle this persistent problem. This requires a multi-pronged approach that addresses various pollution sources, including vehicular emissions, industrial emissions, construction activities, and agricultural burning. Furthermore, strengthening enforcement of existing regulations and implementing innovative technologies to reduce emissions are critical. Addressing this issue requires collaborative efforts from government agencies, industries, and individuals to create a healthier and cleaner environment for the city's residents. The recurring nature of these severe pollution events warrants a long-term vision and commitment to improving air quality in Delhi, ensuring the well-being of its population. The continuing rise in pollution levels despite government interventions highlights the complexity of the challenge and the need for a more holistic, integrated approach to pollution control. The need for stricter enforcement and a broader societal engagement in environmental responsibility cannot be overstated.
Source: Delhi’s air quality gets more severe, worst in almost a month; fog alert issued for 3 days