Delhi’s Air Quality Deteriorates to ‘Very Poor’ Category
On Tuesday, Delhi’s air quality fell into the ‘very poor’ category with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 385, as reported by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). A thick fog covered areas like Anand Vihar, Kalkaji, Nehru Place, and Akshardham Temple, worsening visibility. The Ghazipur area was also affected by smog.
Health Warnings and Public Concerns
The CPCB warned of potential health impacts, especially for those with respiratory issues. Saif, a visitor to Kartavya Path, expressed concerns about breathing difficulties during October to December, acknowledging government efforts to curb pollution.
Government Actions
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has enforced the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-II) in Delhi-NCR after the AQI dropped to ‘very poor’. The daily average AQI was 310 on Monday. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change predicts the AQI will remain in this category due to unfavorable weather conditions.
Measures Under GRAP-II
Stage II of GRAP includes an 11-point action plan: mechanical sweeping, water sprinkling on roads, intensified inspections at construction sites, and proper dust disposal. Citizens are encouraged to use public transport, reduce personal vehicle use, and avoid dust-generating activities.
Doubts Revealed
Air Quality Index (AQI) -: AQI is a number that tells us how clean or polluted the air is. A higher number means the air is more polluted and can be harmful to our health.
Very Poor Category -: This is a level on the AQI scale that indicates the air is very polluted. Breathing this air can be harmful, especially for people with health problems.
GRAP-II -: GRAP stands for Graded Response Action Plan. It is a set of rules to control air pollution. GRAP-II means the second level of these rules, which are stricter to reduce pollution.
CPCB -: CPCB stands for Central Pollution Control Board. It is a government organization in India that monitors and controls pollution.
CAQM -: CAQM stands for Commission for Air Quality Management. It is a group that makes decisions to improve air quality in Delhi and nearby areas.
Anand Vihar and Nehru Place -: These are areas in Delhi, a big city in India. They are known for being busy with lots of people and vehicles, which can cause pollution.
Respiratory issues -: These are health problems related to breathing, like asthma. People with these issues can have more trouble when the air is polluted.