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Delhi Chokes: Air Quality Nears 'Severe' Threshold
20 Nov
Summary
- Delhi's air quality reached 399 AQI, close to the 'severe' category.
- Calm winds and low temperatures are causing pollutant buildup.
- Supreme Court approved revisions to the Graded Response Action Plan.
Delhi's air quality has significantly deteriorated, with the AQI recorded at 399, approaching the 'severe' category. This worsening pollution is attributed to stagnant conditions caused by calm winds and low temperatures, leading to a concerning accumulation of airborne pollutants. Several monitoring stations across the city reported "severe" air quality.
The outlook suggests that the air quality will likely persist in the "very poor" to "severe" range for the upcoming week. In response to the ongoing winter pollution crisis, the Supreme Court has endorsed substantial amendments to the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). These revisions involve activating stricter pollution control measures at lower AQI thresholds.
Furthermore, the Supreme Court has advised the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to consider postponing outdoor sports events scheduled for November and December in the Delhi-National Capital Region. This recommendation aims to protect public health amidst the hazardous air conditions, with relevant authorities in surrounding states urged to implement these changes.
