Delhi air quality remains a significant concern as the capital struggles with “very poor” air quality for the sixth consecutive day. The situation worsened on Friday, November 29, as the city recorded the coldest night of the season, with temperatures dipping to 9.5 degrees Celsius, one degree below normal.
Cold Night, Polluted Air
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that Friday night temperature was the lowest recorded this season, surpassing Thursday’s cold night which saw temperatures at 10.1 degrees Celsius. Prior to this, the third coldest night was on November 21, with a temperature of 10.2 degrees Celsius. The unusual cold, combined with severe air pollution, has created a challenging environment for the residents of Delhi.
Air Quality Data and AQI Levels
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi’s 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) on Friday at 4 pm was recorded at 331, showing a slight improvement from Thursday’s AQI of 325. However, the situation remains critical, with AQI levels in some areas surpassing 400. Bawana and Mundka stations recorded an AQI of 416 and 402, respectively, both of which fall under the “severe” category.
Out of the 37 monitoring stations across Delhi, 26 stations recorded AQI levels in the “very poor” category, while nine stations saw “poor” category readings, according to the Sameer app.
Recent AQI Trends
Earlier this week, the air quality in Delhi reached alarming levels, with AQI recorded at 419 on November 20. The next few days saw AQI levels remain high, reaching 371 on November 21, 393 on November 22, 412 on November 23, and 318 on November 24. On Friday, 21.6% of the pollution was attributed to vehicle emissions, while stubble burning continues to add to the city pollution crisis.
On November 29, the agricultural states surrounding Delhi reported significant incidents of stubble burning, with Punjab recording 32 incidents, Haryana reporting nine, and Uttar Pradesh contributing 215 cases.
What’s Next for Delhi?
The continued combination of low temperatures and high pollution levels has raised serious concerns about public health and safety. Experts urge the government to take swift measures to tackle both vehicular pollution and crop burning, while citizens are advised to minimize outdoor exposure and take necessary precautions. The city is grappling with what seems to be an ongoing environmental crisis that calls for urgent and sustainable solutions.