Delhi Air Quality Plummets: Dust Storms Choke Capital

Delhi's air quality declined to the 'poor' category on Sunday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) climbing to 261. This marks the highest AQI recorded in over 85 days, significantly surpassing Saturday's reading of 140. The deterioration is largely attributed to mineral dust transported by long-range winds originating from storm activity in Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan. These dust particles, carried towards northwestern India, have led to elevated PM10 concentrations.

Strong winds across the Indo-Gangetic Plain have also contributed to the rise in AQI levels. Authorities have assessed that the current air quality issues stem primarily from transnational dust transport. Consequently, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) decided against invoking GRAP Stage-I restrictions. However, the Delhi Pollution Control Committee has been directed to intensify dust-control measures across the city to mitigate local contributions to pollution.