The air quality in Delhi continued to deteriorate on Wednesday, with an AQI of 354 at 7 a.m., placing it in the ‘ very poor’ category. In several parts of the national capital, such as Anand Vihar and Jahangirpuri, air quality has deteriorated to the ‘ severe’ category, with an AQI in the 400 range.
Images circulated online depicting a heavy layer of haze surrounding the national capital, restricting visibility ahead. The air quality has deteriorated in recent days and is projected to worsen in the coming days as Diwali approaches.
At the moment of the text, the air quality in various parts of Delhi was classified as ‘ severe’. According to Central Quality Control Board data, Jahangirpuri et Anand Vihar had AQIs of 417 and 402, respectively. Alipur’a had an AQI of 372, Najafgarh had 342, RK Puram had 352, Shadipur had 322, Rohini had 388, Sirifort had 334, and Pusa had 305.
On the other side, the air quality of Ashok Vihar reported AQI at 359, Delhi-Sector 8 at 367, Bawana at 391, NSIT Delhi at 379, Narela at 357, Okhla Phase 2 at 346, the Patparganj at 373, and Pandit Nagar at 365 – all in the very bad’ category at the time of publishing this report.
On the other side, the air quality of Ashok Vihar reported AQI at 359, Dwarka-Sector 8 as 367, Bawana at 391 AD, NSIT Dwarka at 379, Narela at 357, Okhla Phase 2 on 346, Patparganj at 373, and Indira Nagar at 365 – all in the’very bad’ category at the time of publishing this report.
Meanwhile, the national capital’s poor air quality forced officials to implement the Action Plan for the Graded Response Stage II. As a result, the city has outlawed the use of coke and firewood in hotels and restaurants, as well as fuel and generators.
Mechanical sweeping and water sprinkling on selected roadways will be performed on a daily basis, and dust mitigation strategies will be implemented at locations for building and demolition.
Furthermore, traffic officers will be stationed in congested areas, vehicle parking costs will be raised to discourage private transportation, and new bus and metro services will be implemented.
Residents of Delhi have been encouraged to use public transportation. They have also been encouraged to periodically repair air filters at appropriate intervals in their autos and prevent dust-generating building activities between October and January.