The air quality in Delhi worsened on Saturday morning, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) registering around 286 at 6:30 am, according to data from monitoring agencies. This decline in air quality is a cause for concern for Delhi residents, as it indicates higher levels of air pollution and poses health risks.
Noida, a neighboring city, also reported an average AQI above 300, signifying very poor air quality. Several other cities in the region, including Rohtak, Karnal, Ghaziabad, Gurugram, and Faridabad, also experienced ‘very poor’ air quality, with AQI values exceeding 300.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a tool designed to effectively communicate air quality status to the public. It categorizes air quality into six levels, ranging from “good” to “severe,” based on the level of pollutants in the air.
Environmentalists have been stressing the need for immediate measures to combat air pollution in Delhi. Among the suggested measures are improvements in public transport facilities, the use of smog guns at construction sites, and strengthening institutions like the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC).
Bhavreen Kandhari, an environmentalist, emphasized the importance of consistent efforts to address pollution sources and implement systemic changes. While measures like smog towers and smog guns are beneficial, she suggested that they should be mandatory equipment at construction sites throughout the year to address pollution effectively.
Delhi’s Environment Minister, Gopal Rai, announced the implementation of a 15-point winter action plan to combat pollution. This comprehensive plan aims to address various sources of pollution, including vehicle emissions, biomass burning, and dust. Initiatives such as the ‘Red Light on, Gaadi off’ campaign have been introduced to reduce pollution caused by idling vehicles at traffic signals.
As air quality remains a significant concern for Delhi residents, both environmentalists and government authorities are actively working to create a cleaner and healthier environment for the city’s inhabitants. Addressing air pollution is crucial for the well-being of the population and the overall quality of life in the national capital.