Delhi’s recent air quality measurements are the closest to the ‘poor’ category since June, raising concerns about the health of its residents.
As the winter season approaches, Delhi is bracing for a possible increase in air pollution. On Saturday, the Air Quality Index (AQI) registered at 199, just a few points lower than the ‘poor’ category, posing potential health concerns for the city’s residents.
Delhi’s AQI
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that Delhi experienced a minimum temperature of 19.4 degrees Celsius on Saturday, which was 1.6 degrees below the usual average. The maximum temperature reached 30.3 degrees Celsius, a remarkable 3.9 degrees below normal. At 4 p.m., the city’s AQI was in the moderate range, at 199. An AQI between 201 and 300 is categorized as “poor.”
Delhi’s recent air quality measurements are the closest to the ‘poor’ category since June, raising concerns about the health of its residents. This situation is particularly worrying for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly and persons with respiratory diseases.
Why Delhi’s AQI worsens?
According to Decision Support System (DSS) data, the transport sector remains the largest contributor to pollution in Delhi, responsible for 17.9 percent of total emissions. Vehicles, including passenger cars, buses and trucks, are major sources of particulate matter, which often worsens city air quality during the winter months.
Satellite images on Saturday revealed cases of stubble burning, adding to the city’s pollution. Punjab recorded 14 incidents, Haryana one, and the UP-NCR region a significant 42 incidents. Experts have warned that the smoke from these fires is drifting towards Delhi, significantly affecting the AQI and aggravating the winter smog.
IMD forecast
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast mainly clear skies for Sunday, with minimum and maximum temperatures expected to be around 19 and 31 degrees Celsius, respectively. Despite favorable weather conditions, experts warn that pollution levels could remain high, especially during the early mornings and evenings.
According to the CPCB, an AQI between zero and 50 is considered ‘good’, 51 to 100 ‘satisfactory’, 101 to 200 ‘moderate’, 201 to 300 ‘poor’, 301 to 400 ‘very poor’ and 401 to 500 ‘severe’.
As Delhi’s AQI approaches 200, residents are advised to limit outdoor activities, wear masks if necessary and take precautions to reduce exposure, especially in high traffic areas.
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