Thu Nov 07 06:35:53 UTC 2024: ## Delhi Chokes on Severe Air Pollution, AQI Reaches ‘Severe’ Levels in Several Areas
**New Delhi, India -** Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) continue to grapple with alarmingly poor air quality as winter sets in, with multiple areas recording “severe” levels of pollution on Thursday. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 362 for Delhi, indicating a dangerous level of pollution.
Several areas in Delhi crossed the 400 mark, categorized as “severe” pollution. Anand Vihar registered an AQI of 422, Jahangirpuri at 431, and Wazirpur at 428, showcasing a critical situation. Other localities including Ashok Vihar (416), Mundka (421), and Rohini (403) also reported dangerously high levels of pollution.
Most other regions in Delhi recorded AQI levels above 300, indicating “very poor” air quality. Alipur recorded 387, Burari Crossing at 377, and North Campus DU at 372, highlighting widespread pollution across the capital.
Despite intermittent winds, air quality showed little improvement across the region. The NCR areas of Faridabad and Gurugram in Haryana, and Ghaziabad, Greater Noida, and Noida in Uttar Pradesh recorded AQIs ranging from 252 to 313, signifying poor air quality in these regions as well.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported reduced visibility at the Indira Gandhi International Airport, with visibility dropping to 1,800 meters from 2,100 meters the previous night.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has implemented several initiatives to combat pollution, including the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). Strict penalties have been imposed on polluting construction sites, vehicles, and industries, while road dust control efforts are underway, deploying approximately 600 mechanical road-sweeping machines, water sprinklers, and anti-smog guns across the NCR.
To tackle the escalating pollution, a month-long anti-open burning campaign kicked off in Delhi on November 6. The campaign will continue till December 6 and will see the deployment of 588 patrolling teams to tackle pollution, inspect construction sites, and raise awareness among farmers to prevent stubble burning.
The Delhi government has also launched a comprehensive 21-point Winter Action Plan, expanding upon last year’s 14-point strategy to combat air pollution. This includes emergency measures such as drone monitoring, anti-dust campaigns, road-sweeping machines, and more.
The government has urged neighbouring states of Uttar Pradesh and Haryana to intensify their pollution control efforts, emphasizing the need for collective action to tackle the air pollution crisis.
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