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Delhi Chokes: AQI Hits Severe Levels Amidst Smog
13 Nov
Summary
- Delhi's AQI reached 350, entering the 'very poor' range.
- 18 monitoring stations recorded 'severe' air quality.
- Waste burning and farm fires contribute significantly to pollution.
New Delhi was enveloped in smog on Thursday, as the air quality index (AQI) climbed to 350, placing it in the 'very poor' category. By late evening, the AQI escalated to 387, the season's peak, with some areas like IIT-Delhi recording an AQI of 466. At least 18 monitoring stations across the city registered 'severe' air quality.
Dominant sources of this pollution included the burning of municipal, garden, and plastic waste, alongside paddy residue, wood, and coal, accounting for 25.4% of pollutants. Secondary organic aerosols also contributed equally, while vehicular emissions made up 17%. Even firecrackers from Diwali continued to impact the air, contributing over 7%.
Slowed wind speeds to under 5 kmph hampered pollutant dispersion, leading to a sharp decline in visibility. Experts anticipate adverse meteorological conditions next week, potentially trapping pollutants. A drop in temperature and expected increases in farm fire emissions are predicted to further exacerbate Delhi's air pollution crisis.
