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Delhi Chokes: Air Quality Hits 'Very Poor' Amidst Haze
3 Nov
Summary
- Delhi's air quality dropped to 'very poor' for the first time this season.
- Stage 2 of the Graded Response Action Plan has been invoked across NCR.
- Farm fires in neighboring states contribute significantly to the pollution.
Delhi's air quality has significantly worsened, entering the 'very poor' category for the first time this season. This decline, marked by an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 324 on Monday, has led the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to implement Stage 2 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) throughout the National Capital Region (NCR).
The deteriorating air quality, characterized by thick haze, comes less than a week before Diwali, a festival known for firecracker emissions that could intensify pollution levels. The CAQM's decision was based on a review of current air quality and forecasts predicting continued poor conditions.
Measures under Stage 2 include staggered office timings for government employees in Delhi and surrounding NCR districts, increased parking fees to discourage private vehicle use, and directives for Resident Welfare Associations to provide electric heaters to security staff. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation has added 20 additional weekday train trips to encourage public transport usage.
Contributing factors to the smog include a surge in farm fires in neighboring states; NASA data detected 1,394 such fires between October 1 and November 1. Meteorological analysis indicates that northwesterly winds are carrying smoke plumes towards Delhi-NCR, with calm winds and local geography also trapping pollutants. Air quality is expected to remain 'very poor' in the coming days, with a potential for 'severe' AQI readings.
