No Respite From Pollution, Toxic Smog As Delhi's Air Quality Remains 'Severe', AQI Over 400

NEW DELHI: Despite several preventive measures and the implementation of GRAP Stage 4 restrictions, the air quality in the national capital continues to remain in the 'severe' category on Thursday. According to the Central Pollution Control Board, there is no respite for residents in the national capital as the air quality in Delhi continued to remain in the 'severe' category this morning. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the AQI in Anand Vihar at 432, in RK Puram at 453, in Punjabi Bagh at 444, and in ITO at 441.

Air quality across Delhi continues to be in the 'Severe' category as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

AQI in Anand Vihar at 432, in RK Puram at 453, in Punjabi Bagh at 444 and in ITO at 441 pic.twitter.com/F2IAq456GA — ANI (@ANI) November 9, 2023

As Delhi's air quality again dropped to the 'severe' category on Wednesday with the 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 426, Delhi Mayor Shelly Oberoi said open burning of garbage, dumping of construction waste and use of tandoors in restaurants were among the top contributors to rising air pollution in the national capital.

In view of the worsening air quality, the Delhi government announced that the December winter break of all schools has been rescheduled and it will be now from November 9 to November 18. Also, the transport department has been issued directions to ban app-based taxis "in accordance with the Supreme Court's orders", according to Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai.

New NASA Images Reveal Toxic Smog Exapnding Over North India 

In a stark revelation, NASA's latest satellite imagery has laid bare the expanding menace of toxic smog over Northern India, with Delhi at the epicentre of what experts are now deeming an imminent air pollution "crisis." NASA Worldview's visuals paint a disconcerting picture, portraying a thick layer of smog blanketing the northern plains of India. The repercussions of this alarming phenomenon extend beyond Delhi, as several cities in North India grapple with deteriorating air quality, hinting at a broader environmental challenge.

Farm Fires Amplify Pollution Woes

The smog's origin is multifaceted, potentially stemming from various polluting sources, including a surge in farm fires in Punjab and Haryana. Recent data from NASA underscores a staggering 740% increase in these fires, intensifying concerns about their contribution to the hazardous air quality.

Delhi's Escalating Air Quality Crisis

Delhi, in particular, finds itself trapped in a relentless cycle of worsening air quality. The Air Quality Index (AQI) consistently lingers in the 'severe category,' driven by factors such as vehicular emissions and smoke from stubble burning in neighbouring states. The air quality situation extends its grip to neighbouring cities, with Ghaziabad, Gurugram, Noida, Greater Noida, and Faridabad registering alarming AQI levels. The severity of the situation demands urgent attention and decisive measures.

Artificial Rain As A Contingency Plan

As Delhi contends with severe air quality, Environment Minister Gopal Rai announces a novel approach—artificial rain through cloud seeding. Collaborating with scientists from IIT-Kanpur, the government aims to execute a pilot project if specific cloud conditions are met on November 20-21.

What Is Cloud Seeding?

Notably, cloud seeding requires the presence of moisture-filled clouds, which are not always available or predictable. Cold air is denser and moves slower than warm air, so it traps pollution and doesn't whisk it away. This means that air pollution in the winter remains in place for much longer than during the summer.

Supreme Court Steps In

Expressing grave concern, the Supreme Court directed an immediate halt to stubble burning in Punjab, Haryana, and western Uttar Pradesh. The court holds local authorities accountable for preventing crop burning and emphasizes the malfunctioning of previously installed smog towers, urging swift repairs. A bench of Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Sudhanshu Dhulia made the local State House Officer, under the overall supervision of the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police, responsible for preventing crop burning.

Further, the top court noted that smog towers installed as per an earlier order are not working and directed the government to ensure they are repaired.

Odd-Even Rule Returns

In response to escalating air quality concerns, the Delhi government reinstated the odd-even rule from November 13 to 20. This traffic management measure aims to mitigate vehicular emissions and alleviate the burden on the city's polluted air.

Health Risks Amplify

Residents and commuters in Delhi report breathing problems, heightening the urgency for comprehensive actions. With the Air Quality Index soaring beyond 400, the health risks, particularly for those with respiratory issues, become increasingly alarming. The AQI between zero and 50 is considered 'good'; 51 and 100 'satisfactory'; 101 and 200 'moderate'; 201 and 300 'poor'; 301 and 400 'very poor'; and 401 and 500 'severe'. As Northern India grapples with this escalating environmental crisis, the need for coordinated efforts and innovative solutions becomes more imperative than ever.