Delhi’s air has turned significantly polluted, reaching ‘very poor’ levels and prompting the authorities to activate Stage 2 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). This measure is taken to combat the worsening air quality, which has become a serious concern for residents as Diwali approaches.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded a decline, moving into the ‘poor’ category and subsequently breaching the ‘very poor’ threshold as evening set in on Diwali eve. Weather experts predict that the situation is unlikely to improve substantially within the week, marking the first time since February that Delhi’s AQI has entered the ‘very poor’ zone.
The Air Quality Early Warning System (AQEWS) for Delhi anticipates that the AQI will remain in the ‘very poor’ category on Diwali day itself. An increase in firecracker usage is expected to push the AQI into the ‘severe’ category by Tuesday. Experts attribute the poor air quality to a combination of factors, including stagnant winds, low temperatures, vehicular emissions, firecracker burning, and the growing impact of stubble burning in neighboring states. However, recent data suggests that pollution from surrounding NCR towns is contributing significantly to Delhi’s PM2.5 levels.
Under GRAP Stage 2, several measures are being enforced to curb pollution. These include stricter regulations on diesel generator sets, restrictions on interstate buses (excluding cleaner fuel vehicles), and increased parking fees to discourage private vehicle use.
The current air quality is described as a toxic mix of stagnant air, low temperatures, and emissions from various sources. Experts note that even a minimal increase in local emissions, like from firecrackers, can be amplified by unfavorable weather conditions, leading to a rapid deterioration of air quality.
Historical data indicates that Delhi’s AQI often worsens in the days following Diwali, with nine out of the last ten years showing this trend, except for 2022 when strong winds provided some relief. Past years have seen significant spikes in AQI levels post-Diwali, reaching ‘severe’ categories.
Meteorological experts highlight that while stubble fires are a contributing factor, the current stagnation of winds is trapping local pollutants, causing a noticeable haze. Despite regulations on firecracker usage, including the promotion of ‘green’ crackers, violations are frequently observed, raising concerns about effective implementation and enforcement.
The situation is further compounded by the early onset of Diwali this year, with farm fire incidents expected to increase towards the end of October. State data shows a rising trend in stubble fires in Punjab and Haryana.
Various air quality monitoring stations across Delhi have reported AQI levels in the ‘severe’ and ‘very poor’ categories, with specific areas like Anand Vihar and Wazirpur being particularly affected.
Experts from environmental research institutions emphasize that even with a lower contribution from farm fires at this stage, the calm weather conditions are leading to a significant increase in PM2.5 levels, pushing the AQI into the ‘poor’ category. The city has been under various forms of firecracker bans since 2017, but widespread violations continue to be a persistent issue.
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