New Delhi: The capital city has been experiencing hazardous air quality for a little more than a week. The skies are predicted to open soon but the weather conditions and air quality seem to be depreciating.
Today's weather indicated maximum temperature of 36.2 degree celsius and minimum to hover around 19 degree celsius. The humidity to stay raised by 91%. The wind flows with the speed of 9 km/h.
Watch: Delhi's weather is gradually getting colder, but air quality is worsening, with AQI levels reaching hazardous levels in several areas. The Central Pollution Control Board reported severe pollution, causing breathing difficulties for residents across the capital and… pic.twitter.com/JsOLwSQIfo
— IANS (@ians_india) October 18, 2024
Air Quality Worsens In Delhi
Air quality became "very poor" in multiple areas of Delhi on the morning of October 18 as temperatures dropped in the national capital, while the local government scheduled a meeting with stakeholders to evaluate the situation.
During the morning, certain areas of Delhi experienced a shift to a "very poor" Air Quality Index, while the overall reading stayed at a "poor" level due to the challenge of pollutants dispersing in cooler temperatures.
Mornings in Delhi and the rest of the National Capital Region are becoming cooler and more hazy due to a combination of farm fires, vehicle emissions, and dust polluting the air.
IMD Weather Predictions
The meteorological department predicts sunny weather on October 18, with a low temperature of approximately 20 degrees Celsius.
The minister made the announcement the day after the Supreme Court criticised Punjab and Haryana for not stopping stubble burning and not following its order to take action against those breaking anti-pollution laws.
A meeting will be conducted today with officials from PWD, DPCC, MCD, the transport department, and Delhi Traffic Police to assess the current situation.
This initiative comes after the AAP government's Winter Action Plan was introduced in late September, detailing 21 strategies to address seasonal pollution. Bio-decomposer spraying to control crop stubble burning and an anti-dust campaign targeting construction sites are some of the main measures already in place.
Government Takes Action
The day before, Gopal Rai, Delhi's environment minister, introduced new initiatives to oversee and manage pollution in the city's 13 designated pollution hotspots. The Green War Room will oversee pollution control measures as the leader of the initiatives.