The overall air quality in Delhi continues to remain
in the ‘Poor’ category with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 249 on the morning
of Friday, as per the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and
Research (SAFAR)-India.
As per the latest data from SAFAR, the air quality
around Delhi University was recorded at 307 (Very Poor) in the morning hours
today while the IIT area in New Delhi was at 273, and that in Lodhi Road was
recorded at 218 either of which falls in the ‘Poor’ category.
Further, according to the data, Noida recorded an AQI
of 208 (Poor) and Gurugram 252 (Poor).
India Meteorological Department in a statement on
Delhi’s AQI forecasted predominant surface wind likely from Northwest/Northeast
directions in Delhi with wind speed 04-16 kmph, resulting in mainly clear sky
and mist in the morning on October 27.
To mitigate pollution, water was sprinkled through an
anti-smog gun in the Anand Vihar area on Thursday.
As stubble burning continues in parts of Punjab and
Haryana, air quality in the national capital has worsened in the past few days.
According to data, over 2,500 cases of stubble burning
have been reported this year so far. However, farm fire numbers are better than
those of the previous two years.
The second phase of the Graded Response Action Plan
(GRAP) was implemented in Delhi to reduce the effect of increased pollution.
Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is a set of
guidelines and measures implemented to combat air pollution in the National
Capital Region (NCR) of India, which includes Delhi and its surrounding areas.
As per a government release issued by the Ministry of
Environment, under GRAP-2 restrictions in Delhi NCR, there will be a ban on the
use of coal and wood-fired stoves, the frequency of CNG and electric buses will
be increased, regular cleaning of roads and a sprinkling of water on them to be
done, traffic police personnel to ensure there are no traffic jams so that
pollution can be controlled.
The Air Quality Index is a tool for effective
communication of air quality status to people in terms that are easy to
understand. There are six AQI categories, namely Good + Satisfactory,
Moderately Polluted, Poor, Very Poor, and Severe.
When the Air Quality Index ranges from 201 to 300, it
will be termed ‘poor’ and classified under Stage 1 restrictions. AQI levels
between 301-400 is called ‘very poor’ and falls under Stage 2. When AQI is
401-450 it is termed ‘severe’ and falls under Stage 3.
ANI
