Delhi’s Air Quality Worsens, Arvind Kejriwal Holds Emergency Meet
Some of the worst-affected areas in the national capital include RK Puram (466), ITO (402), Patparganj (471), and New Moti Bagh (488).
New Delhi News
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has convened a high-level meeting, with the participation of Environment Minister Gopal Rai and senior government officials, to address the deteriorating air pollution crisis in the city. This meeting is taking place as the national capital grapples with a severe air pollution crisis resembling an apocalypse.
On Monday morning, Delhi’s air quality remained severely polluted for the fifth consecutive day, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) still categorized as ‘severe.’ The overall AQI in the national capital reached a recording of 488. Particularly hard-hit areas within Delhi include RK Puram (AQI 466), ITO (AQI 402), Patparganj (AQI 471), and New Moti Bagh (AQI 488).
Due to the escalating levels of air pollution in the national capital, the Delhi government has extended the closure of all schools up to class 5 until November 10. Schools for classes 6-12 are not mandated to close, but they have the option to conduct online classes if they prefer.
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A suffocating layer of toxic smog continues to envelop Delhi, raising concerns among medical professionals about the increasing incidence of respiratory and eye-related ailments, particularly among children and the elderly.
Microscopic PM2.5 particles, which can deeply affect lung health, have surged to seven to eight times the government’s recommended limit of 60 micrograms per cubic meter in various locations across Delhi-NCR over the past few days. This level is 80 to 100 times higher than the World Health Organization’s (WHO) safe limit of 5 micrograms per cubic meter.
The central government has activated the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) at its highest level in Delhi and surrounding cities, where the air quality remains in the ‘severe plus’ category. The GRAP is a set of anti-air pollution measures established by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), consisting of four stages, with Stage IV being the most severe. Stage IV is activated when the Air Quality Index (AQI) remains above 450 or falls into the ‘severe plus’ category.
To combat severe air pollution, the GRAP restricts the entry of trucks into Delhi, allowing only those carrying essential goods, providing essential services, or powered by LNG, CNG, or electricity. Electric, CNG, and BS-VI diesel light commercial vehicles (LCVs) registered outside of Delhi are permitted to enter the city, except for those carrying essential goods or providing essential services. Additionally, all construction and demolition work in Delhi, including public projects such as roads, bridges, and power lines, has been suspended.
Both the Delhi and central governments may permit public, municipal, and private offices to operate with half of their staff working from home. Delhi’s air quality is among the worst of capital cities worldwide, with a University of Chicago report indicating that air pollution reduces life expectancy by nearly 12 years.
