Delhi' AQI rising.

Delhi's air quality falling down the tolerable levels

Wednesday morning Delhi was wrapped in a blanket of hideous and hazardous air, choking the hearts of the Capital. The Air Quality Index (AQI)  was seen rising uncontrollably and inching towards the upper end of the 'very poor' category. Clouds of threats are lingering over Delhi and neighbouring cities of Greater Noida, Gurugram and Ghaziabad. The spiking Covid cases and deteriorating air quality have left the city in havoc of apprehensions. Pollution levels have entered the 'severe' zone without any dip in the curve.

At 9 am this morning the recorded AQI was 381. The 24 hour average of Tuesday lies at 367. It was 318 and 268 on Monday and Sunday respectively. The situation is getting worse day by day,  Ghaziabad and Greater Noida reported an AQI of 430 and 410 on Wednesday. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), AQI of 0 to 50 is considered as good, 51 to 100 is satisfactory, 101 to 200 is moderate, 201 to 300 is poor, 301 to 400 is very poor while any values lying above 400 is severe and a matter of grave concern.

Amid such horrific times, this unperturbed drop in air quality can be fatal for the city and citizens. Despite undeterred efforts by the government, the pollution, especially this time of the year is unmanageable. Every year pollution poses a threat to the capital and this year it a two edged sword as the pandemic is entangling the world.

Role of winds is very crucial to counter pollutant settlement. According to India Meteorological department, maximum wind speed for today is 12 kmph, while the minimum and maximum temperatures are 8.2 degree celsius and 27 degree celsius respectively. Calm winds and low temperature tend to trap pollutants near the ground. On contrary fast winds and high temperature proliferate their dispersion. Experts are detecting that the city might fall under severe category for a long time between December 4 to December 7. Inhabitants are advised to not step out if not necessary and undertake precautionary measures for safety. Unfavourable meteorological conditions will harbour the city in these terrible circumstances for a few days.