Delhi is once again grappling with alarming levels of air pollution as the air quality index (AQI) has slipped back to the ‘severe’ category, reaching alarming heights this weekend. On Saturday, November 23, 2024, the AQI was reported at 420, with some areas experiencing even worse conditions, like Anand Vihar where it peaked at 457. This follows nearly three weeks of hazardous air quality, which has severely affected the daily lives of residents.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported continual degradation of air quality over the past few days, with average PM2.5 levels rising remarkably. Just on Friday, the PM2.5 level was at 178.6 micrograms per cubic meter but escalated to 212.5 micrograms by Saturday morning. Such high levels of particulate matter are indicative of the widespread pollution crisis faced by the city.
Low visibility conditions exacerbated the situation, leading to significant disruptions across Delhi's transport networks. On the same day, delays of up to 39 minutes were noted for several train services, including the Jansadharan Express, which was delayed by over 11 hours. Such setbacks highlight not only the environmental issues but also the practical impacts on commuters trying to navigate the city.
The persistent calm winds, recorded below 10 km/h, have contributed to the pollution stagnation, effectively trapping pollutants. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) noted light winds and cooler temperatures, which can also exacerbate air quality issues. Visibility was markedly poor, measured at just 300 meters at Safdarjung and slightly less at other stations.
Environmental experts and officials from various meteorological and pollution control agencies are bracing for future air quality challenges. The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) forecasts continuous very poor air quality conditions extending through the next week. The CPCB anticipates this trend will persist due to the combination of weather patterns and pollution source factors, leading to significant public health concerns.
Meanwhile, implementing measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) became increasingly urgent. Delhi's Environment Minister, Gopal Rai, reiterated government efforts to tighten restrictions on construction activities, vehicle emissions, and agricultural burning practices. He has also suggested potential interventions, such as cloud seeding, to mitigate pollution levels, though experts have cautioned about the limitations of such measures without adequate moisture content in the atmosphere.
On the public health front, medical professionals warn of rising respiratory issues linked to sustained high pollution levels. Authorities are implored to expedite action against sources of pollution, including vehicular emissions, industrial activities, and dust from construction sites to prevent public health crises from spiraling out of control.
The Supreme Court of India recently expressed concern over the lax enforcement of GRAP-4, urging stricter compliance with regulations, particularly concerning truck entry restrictions to minimize traffic emissions. The Court had ordered monitoring at 113 checkpoints across Delhi to manage vehicular inflow effectively.
For residents of Delhi, this air pollution episode is not just another seasonal inconvenience but is part of an exhausting annual saga, where the air becomes nearly unbreathable and frequently deteriorates to levels deemed hazardous. For many, personal protective equipment like N95 masks have become staples as they navigate daily routines, which reflects the severe impacts of air pollution on the quality of life.
Despite temporary weather fluctuations providing brief reprieves, consistent measures are needed to address the root causes of air quality deterioration. Health experts continue to advocate for enhanced public awareness and long-term strategies addressing urban pollution grounded not just on legislative efforts, but on widespread community engagement.
With no immediate end to this pollution crisis visible on the horizon, the urgency for effective solutions remains as relevant as ever. Coupled with the approaching winter months, residents can only hope for decisive action from their leaders to reclaim the air quality they so desperately need.
