New Delhi:On Sunday, Delhi’s air once again took a worrying turn. The air quality index (AQI) of the capital slipped further into the ‘severe’ category. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi’s average AQI was recorded at 440 at 4 pm. This was not only worse than Saturday’s level, but also proved to be the most polluted day of January in the last two years.
Generally, pollution remains high in the first 15 days of January and later there is some relief in it. But this time the picture was opposite. Experts say that such bad air is extremely unusual in the second half of January. According to the data, this is the first time since 2019 that AQI reached 440 in the last days of the month. Earlier, such a level was recorded in the same period in 2019.
This situation is also considered serious because this is the first time since January 2016 that AQI remained 400 or above for two consecutive days at the end of the month. It is clear from this that the problem of pollution is not just a temporary but has become a deepening challenge.
Weather became a big reason
According to scientists, weather played an important role in increasing pollution. The speed of surface winds remained very low and humidity increased due to western disturbance. Due to this, instead of spreading, the pollutants present in the air started accumulating in one place. However, experts also say that it is not right to blame only the weather.
Former CPCB officer Dipankar Saha believes that the current situation shows that the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is not completely effective in controlling emissions. He says that during calm winds, there is no strict control on the sources of pollution, due to which the situation worsens.
most polluted areas
Anand Vihar was the most polluted area of Delhi on Sunday, where AQI reached 497. Apart from this, the situation in areas like Mundka and Rohini was also very bad and AQI was recorded around 491.
Supreme Court’s strictness
Amidst the worsening air quality of Delhi, the Supreme Court has strongly reprimanded the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM). The court failed to identify the sources of pollution. "failure in duty" Told and ordered to make the clear report public within two weeks.
At the same time, according to the estimates of the Meteorological Department, there may be a slight improvement in the air condition on Monday, but the AQI "nasty" There is a possibility of remaining in the category. It is clear that unless concrete and timely action is taken against the sources of pollution, Delhi’s air will remain a threat to the health of the citizens.
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