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Thursday evening witnessed a surge in pollution levels across Delhi, coinciding with the Chhath Puja celebrations. The Central Pollution Control Board highlighted a significant increase in the Air Quality Index (AQI), which soared to 382 by 6 PM. This deterioration in air quality was not isolated, as by the evening, the situation escalated with seven weather stations classifying the air quality as "severe". Furthermore, sixteen other locations recorded an AQI surpassing 400, indicating a widespread environmental concern.
Areas such as Patparganj, Rohini, Sonia Vihar, and Anand Vihar were among those severely affected, with pollution enveloping the capital. The city's 24-hour average AQI stood at 377 at 4 PM, marking a slight increase from the morning's measurement of 367. This thick blanket of pollution has become a visible concern, with many parts of Delhi shrouded in pollutants. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted that the city would continue to grapple with haze or mist during the night, further complicating the already grim situation.
The environmental degradation was palpable, with a humidity level of 74 percent recorded at 5:30 PM and a peak temperature reaching 31.7 degrees Celsius, notably higher than typical for this time of year. Predictions for Friday suggest the persistence of shallow fog, accompanied by unusually warm temperatures, indicating no immediate relief from the pollution crisis.
Adding to the grim scenario, a detailed report on air quality in key areas of Delhi at 7 PM revealed alarming AQI levels. The National Institute of Malaria Research in Sector-8 Dwarka reported an AQI of 531, while ITI Jahangirpuri and Mundka recorded AQIs of 521 and 508, respectively. Other areas like the Delhi Institute of Tool Engineering in Wazirpur and Anand Vihar also reported severely polluted conditions, with AQIs of 455 and 436. Even Rohini and Satyawati College faced poor air quality, with AQIs of 439 and 340, underscoring the extensive reach of the pollution.
The AQI scale classifies air quality from "good" to "severe," with the recent figures painting a concerning picture for Delhi's environment. As the city grapples with these escalating pollution levels, the community and authorities are prompted to seek measures to mitigate the adverse effects on public health and the environment.
