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Delhi residents faced another day of hazardous air on Thursday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) remaining in the 'very poor' category at 367. The AQI was 358 on Wednesday and has consistently been in this range throughout the week.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported that nine areas, including Anand Vihar and Ashok Vihar, experienced 'severe' air quality levels. These areas also included Bawana, Jahangirpuri, Mundka, Rohini, Sonia Vihar, Vivek Vihar, and Wazirpur.
Weather Conditions and Temperature
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted clear skies for Delhi. However, smog is expected during the day with shallow fog at night. The minimum temperature recorded was 18.0 degrees Celsius, which is 3.7 degrees above normal. Humidity levels were high at 94% by 8:30 am.
The AQI scale categorises air quality from 'good' to 'severe'. A range of 0-50 is 'good', while 51-100 is 'satisfactory'. Levels between 101-200 are 'moderate', 201-300 are 'poor', and 301-400 are 'very poor'. Anything above 400 is considered 'severe'.
Government Measures Against Pollution
In response to pollution concerns, the Supreme Court criticised the Environment Protection Act (EPA), 1986. It described its penalties for stubble burning as ineffective. Consequently, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change increased fines for stubble burning on Wednesday. New rules were also introduced under the Act to streamline complaint filing and adjudication processes related to environmental pollution.
These measures aim to address pollution sources more effectively and hold violators accountable through stricter enforcement mechanisms.
