Delhi’s depleting air quality a cause of concern

Delhi’s air quality was already in the red zone ahead of Diwali. A recurring reason for this is stubble burning in neighbouring states. After Diwali, the air quality became “hazardous” in various parts of the city.

The smog in Delhi has reached homes now, with cases of respiratory problems; chronic headache and eye irritation increasing everywhere. These are the direct results of the worsening air quality of Delhi. The prohibition on crackers went for a toss on Diwali night and the result was PM 2.5 AQI stooping 999 at Loni, Ghaziabad.

The AQi of Delhi, updated as per 4pm in Pusa Delhi is 329(Hazardous). The recent numbers show an increasing range of pollutants in air such as PM 2.5 at 354, PM 10 at 282 respectively which is a cause of concern. The sources also show the AQI level is different at locations in Delhi which is varying between unhealthy and hazardous depicting the burning of crackers and constant traffic are the main reasons for such depletion.

“The ongoing conditions are a result of several factors such as the burning of agricultural residue, calm winds and the smoke emitted through crackers all over in air forming clouds which makes the situation hazardous,” said Dr MP George, Scientist Delhi Pollution Control Committee. Further, he added that as individuals we need to be more vigilant and concerned about our environment.

Regarding improvement in the existing situation, he said we will see the situation improving in the coming days with the change in the flow of winds.

Meanwhile, experts have questioned the efficacy of the smog towers declaring that such devices can only be effective only to a small extent in the massive issue of air pollution in Delhi.