Breathing problem deepens again in Delhi, pollution level is dangerous, AQI crosses 450 in many areas

New Delhi: People’s breathing problems have once again worsened in the capital Delhi. The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi has reached 450. People are facing difficulties in breathing. A thick blanket of smog has spread over the city. Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-4) has already been implemented due to increasing air pollution in Delhi. The Meteorological Department has issued a yellow alert for the next three days regarding fog. 

AQI reached 481 in Anand Vihar

In Delhi, Nehru Nagar (480), Alipur (471), Anand Vihar (481), CRRI Mathura Road (468), Jahangirpuri (468), and Rohini recorded an AQI of 466. Experts pointed to a significant drop in wind speed as the primary reason for the sudden spike in pollution. They said the low wind speed allowed local pollutants to accumulate in the atmosphere. They said the AQI is likely to remain in the ‘severe’ category for the next two days. 

Out of the 35 monitoring stations in Delhi, 28 recorded the air quality in the ‘severe’ category, while at some, the AQI crossed 450 which falls in the ‘very severe’ category. Monitoring stations located at Mandir Marg, Jahangirpuri, Narela, Nehru Nagar, Patparganj, Punjabi Bagh, Rohini, ITO, Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, DTU, Major Dhyanchand National Stadium, Mandir Marg, Pusa, Shadipur recorded the AQI in the ‘severe’ category. Alipur, Anand Vihar, Ashok Vihar, Bawana, Burari, CRRI Mathura Road, North Campus, Okhla Phase 2, Sirifort, Sonia Vihar and Vivek Vihar recorded the AQI in the ‘severe plus’ category. 

The first stage of ‘GRAP’ is applicable when the AQI is between 201 to 300 (poor category), the second stage is between 301 to 400 (very poor), the third stage is between 401 to 450 (severe) and the fourth stage is above 450 (very severe). 

Stubble burning season is over

 At present, stubble burning is not contributing to Delhi’s pollution, as the stubble burning season in Punjab and Haryana is over. On Monday, the Centre’s air quality commission for Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) imposed the strictest fourth phase of restrictions under ”GRAP”, which includes a ban on entry of trucks carrying non-essential goods into Delhi and mandatory shifting of all classes except Class 10th and 12th to ‘hybrid mode’. The fourth phase also includes a ban on all construction and demolition activities, including public projects such as highways, flyovers, power lines and pipelines. Diesel trucks carrying non-essential goods are banned from entering Delhi. In a related development, authorities have intensified vehicle checking in border areas of the national capital.