Delhi.Image Credit Source: PTI
On Sunday, Delhi’s air continued to fluctuate between the air quality index (AQI). According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi’s 24-hour average AQI was recorded at 318 till 4 pm, better than 412 on Saturday. However, air quality is still considered hazardous to health.
According to CPCB data, the PM 2.5 level stood at 138 at 3 pm on Sunday. According to the Sameer app, none of the 38 monitoring centers in Delhi recorded an AQI in the severe category on Sunday, while a day earlier, 20 centers had measured the air quality in the severe level.
Stubble burning can aggravate the situation
The Centre’s Decision Support System (DSS) said vehicle emissions contributed 18.1 per cent to Delhi’s pollution on Sunday. At the same time, stubble burning on Saturday contributed to 19 per cent, one of the major factors worsening air quality in Delhi. DSS stated that the figures for vehicle emissions and pollution caused by stubble burning may aggravate the situation.
Last week, on Sunday, the air quality surpassed the dangerous level of 450 for the first time this season. On Monday, it further deteriorated to 495, after which the High Court implemented the fourth phase under the Phased Response Task Force (GRAP) to address the pollution crisis.
How was the weather?
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said the maximum temperature recorded on Sunday was 29.1 degrees Celsius, two degrees above normal. The humidity level during the day remained between 96 and 76 percent. On Monday, the maximum temperature is expected to be 28 degrees and the minimum temperature is 12 degrees Celsius with moderate fog.
The Delhi government and related agencies must take effective measures to address air pollution. Apart from adopting strict measures on vehicle emissions and stubble burning, awareness campaigns are also necessary. Experts believe that collective efforts are necessary to control the rising level of pollution this season.
