Since 24-hour PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations in Delhi-NCR have been above 500 and 300 micrograms per cubic meter for 17 and 19 hours respectively, states are required to implement “emergency” measures under Graded Response Action. Have been told to be ready. plan (GRAP), which includes a ban on construction, an odd-even traffic scheme, and the closure of schools. Officials said no major change in AQI is expected for four-five days.
Pollution is becoming a health crisis as hospitals say patients are being taken to emergencies with complaints of chest tightness, cough and difficulty in breathing.
Friday was the sixth “severe” wind day recorded in the past eight days. Experts said calm air conditions, high humidity, low mixing layer height and low temperature have led to accumulation of pollutants. The share of stubble burning in Delhi’s PM2.5 has increased from 26 per cent on Thursday to 35 per cent on Friday.
When air quality remains above 500 and 300 micrograms per cubic meter for 48 hours, GRAP’s “emergency” measures are implemented in the area. According to CPCB data, 24-hour PM10 concentration in Delhi-NCR was 557.4 micrograms per cubic meter at 7 pm on Friday, while PM2.5 was 373.1 micrograms per cubic meter during the same period. The safe limits for PM10 and PM2.5 are 100 and 60 micrograms per cubic meter, respectively.
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R K GenmaniSenior scientist of India Meteorological Department said, “Delhi has recorded moderate fog conditions throughout the day and low visibility is in the range of 300-800 metres. For the first time this season, Delhi-NCR witnessed poor visibility conditions due to smog cover throughout the day, especially during afternoon.
visibility on safdarjung, the base station of the city, was between 300–500 m, while palmy Visibility was recorded at 500-800 metres. In comparison, visibility was better at 800-1200 meters on Thursday afternoon. “The main reason for deteriorating air quality and smog cover is light winds during the day with calm or high humidity levels,” an official of the Meteorological Department said.
Dipankar Saha, former head of CPCB’s air laboratory, said, “Peace is prevailing in the northern region due to southeasterly pressure. The ventilation coefficient and the height of the mixing layer are also low.”
Experts said no respite from toxic pollution levels is expected in the next few days. VK Sonic, Head, Environment and Research Centre, IMD said, “The wind speed is likely to remain the same for the next few days, which will hinder the dispersal of pollutants. No significant change in air quality is predicted for the next four to five days.
A hazy view of the Red Fort as the air quality in the city deteriorated, in New Delhi on Friday. (Photo: ANI)
Mahesh Palawat of private weather forecasting agency Skymet Weather said, “There is no chance of rain activity for at least a week, which would have brought some respite.”
System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (journey) said the air quality is likely to remain in the “severe” category on Saturday. “The winds at the transport level are likely to subside from the evening of November 13, leading to less transport of pollutants from the upstream area to Delhi. PM10 was observed as the major pollutant (instead of PM2.5) at some places in Delhi, which may be due to increase in relative humidity at local level.
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