Delhi: Air Quality Improves, No Major Pollution Alert Issued

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The air quality in Delhi shows improvement as the AQI falls to the ‘moderate’ category. The IMD has not issued any major pollution alert for the city.

The 24-hour average air quality index (AQI) in Delhi was recorded at 214 on Thursday at 4 pm, a significant drop from 295 on Wednesday. An AQI ranging between 0 and 50 is considered ‘good’, 51 and 100 as ‘moderate’, 101 and 200 as ‘poor’, 201 and 300 as ‘very poor’, 301 and 400 as ‘severe’, and 401 and 500 as ‘severe plus’.

Factors Contributing to Improved Air Quality

Strong Winds and Favorable Weather Conditions Aid in the Improvement

The improvement in air quality can be attributed to the strong winds that swept through Delhi on Wednesday and Thursday. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted similar weather conditions for the upcoming days, raising hopes for sustained improvement.

Continuation of Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Measures

Delhi Government Ensures Continued Efforts to Reduce Air Pollution

Despite the improved air quality, the Delhi government has decided to persist with the implementation of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). This plan comprises a series of measures aimed at curbing air pollution within the city.

The GRAP includes restrictions on construction activities, the use of firecrackers, and the burning of garbage. Additionally, the government encourages the public to utilize public transport and carpooling as means to reduce vehicular congestion.

Long-term Measures to Tackle Air Pollution in Delhi

Government’s Role in Addressing the Air Pollution Crisis

While the improved air quality brings relief to the residents of Delhi, it is crucial for the government to implement long-term solutions to combat the persistent issue of air pollution in the city. Here are some recommended measures:

Promote the Use of Electric Vehicles: Encouraging the adoption of electric vehicles can significantly reduce vehicular emissions, leading to cleaner air.
Improve Public Transportation: Enhancements in public transportation systems can incentivize citizens to rely less on private vehicles, consequently reducing pollution levels.
Plant More Trees: Expanding green cover by planting trees aids in filtering pollutants from the air, thus improving air quality.
Control Industrial Emissions: Strict regulations and monitoring of industrial emissions can mitigate the contribution of industries to air pollution.
Reduce Stubble Burning in Neighboring States: Collaboration with neighboring states to address the issue of stubble burning can help minimize the influx of pollution from outside Delhi.

The government must prioritize and implement these measures diligently to sustain the improved air quality in Delhi and foster a healthier living environment for its residents.