Delhi’s Air Quality Worsens: Smog Engulfs City, Urgent Measures Needed
New Delhi was covered in a thin layer of smog on Thursday, with air quality dropping to the ‘very poor’ category. A visitor at India Gate noted the Air Quality Index (AQI) was around 400, making outdoor activities difficult without a mask. Paddy stubble burning is one of the causes of this pollution.
Another visitor mentioned that pollution rises in Delhi NCR as winter approaches, while monsoon slightly reduces it. Cyclists face low visibility in the mornings, and the increasing number of vehicles adds to the problem. He urged the government to promote cycling as a pollution-reducing measure, suggesting bicycles for short commutes.
According to the Central Pollution Control Board, AQI readings at various locations in Delhi were all in the ‘very poor’ category, with Anand Vihar at 392 and Ashok Vihar at 350, among others. The India Meteorological Department forecasted a maximum temperature of 33°C and a minimum of 19°C for the day.
Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai wrote to Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, requesting a meeting to address the pollution crisis. Rai emphasized the need for cloud seeding and mentioned the Winter Action Plan implemented on September 25. Meanwhile, toxic foam was observed in the Yamuna river at Kalindi Kunj, indicating high pollution levels.
Doubts Revealed
AQI -: AQI stands for Air Quality Index. It is a number used to communicate how polluted the air currently is or how polluted it is forecast to become. A higher AQI value means more pollution and a greater health concern.
Smog -: Smog is a type of air pollution that looks like a thick fog. It is caused by a mixture of smoke and fog, often from vehicle emissions and industrial fumes, and can make it hard to see and breathe.
Central Pollution Control Board -: The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) is an organization in India that monitors and controls pollution. It provides data and guidelines to help keep the environment clean and safe.
Gopal Rai -: Gopal Rai is a politician in India who serves as the Environment Minister of Delhi. He is responsible for addressing environmental issues and implementing policies to improve air quality in the city.
Cloud seeding -: Cloud seeding is a process used to try to make it rain by adding substances to clouds. This can help clear pollution from the air by bringing it down to the ground with the rain.
Toxic foam -: Toxic foam is a harmful substance that can form on water bodies like rivers due to pollution. It is often caused by chemicals and waste being dumped into the water, making it unsafe for people and animals.
Yamuna river -: The Yamuna river is one of the major rivers in India, flowing through several states including Delhi. It is an important water source but is often polluted, which affects the environment and people’s health.