Delhi’s air quality has plummeted significantly with the unfortunate entry of the city into the ‘severe’ category, with the overall Air Quality Index reaching 403, as per data available with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The level of pollution has registered at a time when the weather has become quite chilly with dense fog.
As classified by the CPCB, if the AQI ranges between 401 and 500, it is classified as 'severe,' and the health effects would be serious, especially for sensitive groups like children, the elderly, or people with respiratory diseases like asthma.
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Dense fog leads to 'orange alert'
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an ‘orange alert’ for dense fog in the national capital, Delhi. It has warned of low visibility in different regions of the city. Dense smog has been observed in different regions, and the conditions are risky for commuters.
Low visibility conditions resulting from the formation of fog and pollution of the environment have continued to deteriorate the quality of the air. It has been warned that conditions are ripe for the pollution level in the environment to be maintained.
Several areas experience severe AQI
“Severe” air quality has been recorded by CPCB air quality stations in various parts of Delhi. The surrounding areas of this city have also been witnessing AQI values much higher than acceptable levels, with Anand Vihar being one of the most polluted areas.
Long exposure to this environment causes health concerns, more so since the pollution is continuous within a considerable portion of the capital.
Transport services impacted
The combination of the poor quality of air and the thick fog prevented smooth transport services in the city. There were delays for some of the trains at New Delhi railway station, and flights at the Indira Gandhi International Airport were delayed due to low visibility and the cold wave conditions.
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In response, the authorities at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) issued an alert, advising passengers to verify the status of their flights before proceeding to the airport and to leave early.
Weather conditions contributing to pollution increases
Reportedly, the main reasons for this drastic deterioration in air quality have been cited as cold weather, absence of wind, and dense fog, which do not allow for the dispersal of pollutants in the air. The continuation of similar weather patterns, therefore, might mean that poor air quality is experienced in the coming days as well.
