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Delhi's Air Quality Dips: 'Poor' Levels Ahead
19 Oct
Summary
- Delhi's air quality is projected to drop to 'poor' levels by Monday.
- Transport sector is the main contributor to PM2.5 pollution.
- Stubble burning's impact is expected to increase significantly by Wednesday.
Delhi is bracing for a significant decline in air quality, with forecasts indicating a shift to the 'poor' category by Monday. This marks the first time this season that the city's Air Quality Index (AQI) is expected to reach such levels.
On Sunday, Delhi's AQI stood at 187, which falls within the 'moderate' range. However, several areas within the city experienced 'poor' air quality, with ITO recording a severe reading of 430.
Currently, the transport sector is identified as the largest contributor to Delhi's PM2.5 pollution, accounting for 23.2%. Emissions from Gautam Budh Nagar and Ghaziabad also contribute significantly. However, the impact of stubble burning, currently negligible at 0.2%, is anticipated to rise to nearly 12% by Wednesday.
As a consequence of the deteriorating air quality, Stage I of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) will be invoked. This action plan is initiated when the AQI enters the 'poor' category.
Temperatures in Delhi remain mild, with the maximum temperature recorded at 31.7 degrees Celsius, slightly below normal. The minimum temperature is around 18.6 degrees Celsius. These conditions are expected to persist over the next two days.
