Delhi-NCR: As the AQI returns to the “severe” zone, awakens to dense haze
Delhi-NCR: Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) were still engulfed in thick haze on Thursday morning. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) said that the capital’s air quality has further deteriorated, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) standing at 356.
Four of Delhi’s 39 air quality monitoring sites had AQI levels in the “severe” category, while many others were in the same range, highlighting the city’s ongoing dangerous air conditions.
Images from several locations in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) revealed drastically diminished vision as thick haze covered streets, neighborhoods, and public places, impairing everyday mobility and causing citizens’ health to deteriorate.
Delhi registered an AQI of 358 at 7 a.m. on Thursday, according to data from the Commission for Air Quality Management’s SAMEER app.
The little improvement seen the day before, when the AQI decreased to 334 from 354 due to comparatively stronger winds blowing across the area, was reversed by this.
Foggy conditions were predicted by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) for Thursday morning.
The meteorological service said, however, that surface breezes throughout the day are anticipated to keep fog from forming for an extended period of time, enabling visibility to progressively increase during the day.
The IMD predicts that throughout the morning, the main surface wind will come from the northwest and reach speeds of up to 10 kmph. In the afternoon, winds from the northwest are expected to reach around 15 kmph, and in the evening and night, they will drop to less than 10 kmph from the west.
Even while overall air quality is still a significant issue, the IMD noted that this change in wind patterns is predicted to assist disperse the fog and contribute to considerably cleaner conditions throughout the day on Thursday.
The Delhi government’s new ‘No PUC, No Fuel’ policy will take effect on Thursday as part of its efforts to reduce air pollution in the nation’s capital.
Additionally, starting on Thursday, only cars registered outside of Delhi that comply with BS-VI regulations will be permitted to enter the city; trucks transporting building supplies will still be prohibited. GRAP standards continue to prohibit construction activities, and those who violate them will face severe consequences.
The Delhi administration has announced a comprehensive set of emergency and long-term measures aimed at vehicle emissions, dust, garbage, and traffic congestion as the nation’s capital continues to suffer from extreme pollution.