Delhi’s climate is deteriorating continuously after Diwali. A thick blanket of haze was seen in Delhi-NCR even today and the pollution level became extremely severe. Emergency-like situation is going to happen in Delhi due to air pollution. In view of the seriousness of pollution, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) on Friday advised people to avoid going out of their homes.
The CPCB has directed government and private offices to reduce vehicular usage in the national capital by 30 per cent after Delhi’s air quality index continued to remain at critical levels. The air quality in Delhi has deteriorated. Today the Air Quality Index (AQI) of the capital is 499 in the severe category.
The CPCB has said in the order that it was observed in the review meeting that due to low winds during the night till November 18, the meteorological conditions would be highly unfavorable for the dispersion of pollutants. “Government and private offices and other establishments are advised to reduce vehicle usage by at least 30 per cent (by working from home, car-pooling, limiting outdoor activities),” the CPCB said.
The CPCB said the implementing agencies should closely monitor the actions taken at the appropriate level and submit daily reports to the pollution control boards and related committees, which would then submit the report to the Air Quality Management Commission (CAQM) and the CPCB.
CPCB said, “The agencies concerned should be fully prepared for the implementation of measures under the emergency category as per GRAP (Hierarchical Response Action Plan). The 24-hour average air quality index in Delhi till 4 pm was recorded at 471, which is the worst ever AQI of the season, compared to 411 on Thursday.
Condition of NCR
City AQI
Faridabad 460
Ghaziabad 486
Greater Noida 478
Gurugram 448
Noida 488
(status till 4 pm on Friday)
35 percent from straw
According to the information, due to burning of stubble in more than four thousand fields, its contribution to Delhi’s pollution was 35 percent on Friday. According to the Central Pollution Control Committee, the 24-hour average of the amount of PM 2.5, a polluting particulate in Delhi-NCR, crossed the 300 mark in the night and its quantity was 381 micrograms per cubic meter at 4 pm on Friday. The amount of PM 2.5 was almost six times above the safe limit of 60 micrograms per cubic metre. The PM10 level was recorded at 577 micrograms per cubic metre.
Fog may be longer
According to CSE, this fog is a state of public health emergency. This position may be the longest in the last four years. Despite local conditions with relatively strong winds, the long period of fog this year could be attributed to the lack of pollution control measures in the city. According to a CSE report, the contribution of vehicles to Delhi’s pollution in the initial phase of winter this year from October 24 to November 8 has been 50 per cent.
