Delhi pollution emergency: Schools, thermal plants shut, trucks’ entry banned as capital reels under noxious air
The air pollution level in Delhi stood in the ‘very poor’ category on Wednesday morning, with the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) clocking at 379, according to the Ministry of Earth Science’s air quality monitor, System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR). The Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and adjoining Areas (CAQM) issued a number of directions, including a ban on construction activity, closure of public schools among other steps to deal with the situation.
Air quality in parts of Delhi
At 6 am today, the concentrations of the particulate matter (PM) with a diameter of 10 and 2.5 microns docked at 362 and 222 respectively, both falling in the ‘very poor’ zone, as per SAFAR.
According to the Central Air Pollution Control Board data, the AQI was recorded at 367 in Chandni Chowk, 362 in Indira Gandhi International Airport (T3), 353 in Dilshad Garden (IHBAS), 396 in Mathura Road, 349 in Najafgarh, 393 in ITO and 368 in Sirifort, all falling in the ‘very poor’ category. Meanwhile, Anand Vihar, Bawana, Jahangirpuri, Mundka, Rohini, Shadipur, Punjabi Bagh and Wazirpur recorded ‘severe’ air quality, with the AQI values docking at 432, 416, 454, 419, 432, 438, 413 and 426 respectively.
An AQI within the range of 0-5 is regarded as ‘good’, 51-100 is ‘satisfactory’, 101-200 is ‘moderate’, 201-300 is ‘poor’ and 301-400 is ‘very poor’ and 401-500 is considered ‘severe’, according to government agencies.
SAFAR’s forecast
The Centre-run pollution monitoring system has forecast that Delhi’s overall air quality is expected to record a slight deterioration in the ‘very poor’ category by tomorrow. The city’s overall AQI is expected to be at 395, with the concentrations of PM10 and PM2.5 particles docking at 399 and 244 respectively.
CAQM issues directions to deal with pollution emergency in Delhi-NCR
In the wake of the extreme air pollution, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Tuesday night directed colleges, schools and other educational institutions in the NCR to remain close until further orders. In addition to this, the pollution panel stated that only five of the 11 thermal power plants situated within 300 km radius of the national capital shall operate till November 30.
Furthermore, the pollution panel directed to stop construction and demolition activities till November 21. Projects of national importance, national security, defence-related activities, railways, metro railways, airports, and ISBT have been exempted from this direction.
