A week before Diwali, the air quality of the Capital on Thursday stood at 268 mg per cubic metre — categorised as "poor" — for the third consecutive day. What is further alarming is that scientists warn of the air quality getting even "worse" in the coming days due to meteorological conditions.
The monitoring stations under the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) including DTU, Anand Vihar, and Shadipur — the three most polluted spots — recorded air quality levels above 200, which is categorised as "unhealthy" even for healthy adults.
The air quality measured for PM 2.5 — the most prominent polluter in Delhi — is measured in micrograms per cubic metre.
The air quality at Anand Vihar was recorded at 209, DTU (243), Shadipur (269), NSIT Dwarka 183, and Punjabi Bagh (181).
"Wind speed falls drastically with winters approaching, which does not allow pollutants in the air to dispense. This has led to PM 2.5 shooting up significantly over the past week. The air quality will deteriorate even more, if the wind speed goes down further," said Vivek Chattopadhyaya, senior scientist, Centre for Science and Environment (CSE).
Delhi Environment Minister Imran Hussain, too, reviewed the ambient air quality levels in the city.
"Diwali is just a week away, and agricultural residue burning in neighbouring states is continuing unabated. This may impact Delhi's air quality and the cumulative effect of use of fire crackers and emission from other anthropogenic sources may lead to a worse condition," said Hussain.
In a meeting with senior officers of the Department and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), the minister directed that strict vigil be kept to check any type of open burning in the city to avoid local contribution to air pollution.
He further directed strict measures be enforced to control emission from construction activities. The minister also directed that the violators of dust control norms and those found burning waste/plastic/garbage, etc, in the open be penalised.
Hussain also asked the Environment Department to constitute special teams to check the sale of crackers in various markets of Delhi. Any violation will be reported by these teams to the Delhi Police.
CAUSE FOR CONCERN
Air quality levels in 'poor' category:
- Anand Vihar 209,
- DTU 243
- Shadipur 269.04
- Punjabi Bagh 181
- NSIT Dwarka 183.80
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