Delhi air quality remains very poor for third consecutive day
The national capital recorded an AQI of 369 on Wednesday as smog continues to blanket the city.
Thick smog continued to blanket Delhi on Wednesday, November 4, as the city's air quality remained in the 'very poor' category for the third straight day, according to reports by India Today and Mint.
The citywide Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 369 at 6:05 am, while Central Pollution Control Board data showed it reached 379 by 10:00 am. In several areas, the pollution reached the 'severe' category, with Jahangirpuri and Punjabi Bagh both recording an AQI of 447.
The deterioration follows a period in October that was the cleanest in eight years due to heavy rain and favorable airflow. However, the Air Quality Early Warning System forecasts that air quality is likely to remain in the 'very poor' category until at least Friday, November 6.
According to the Decision Support System, transport emissions account for 15.8 per cent of pollution, followed by stubble burning at 15.3 per cent. Other contributors include residential emissions at 3.9 per cent and industries at 3 per cent.
Authorities have implemented several measures, including Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) which took effect on November 2. Recent restrictions under the Winter Action Plan include barring older commercial vehicles and limiting certain construction activities.
Sunil Dahiya, founder and lead analyst at Envirocatalysts, said that while there is a plan, implementation is not up to the mark. Manoj Kumar, an analyst at the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air, stated that authorities treat pollution as an episodic event rather than a yearlong problem.