‘Very poor’ AQI in Capital, situation to worsen in coming 2 days

NEW DELHI: As wind speed slowed down in the National Capital Region, the air quality of Delhi remained in the ‘very poor’ quality for the second day today, November 21. The Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 354 today morning from 301 on November 20, revealed the data from Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The deteriorated air quality is likely to remain for the coming two days. A day prior to November 20, the AQI stood at 242 which falls under ‘poor’ category.

As per the index, AQI levels between 201 and 300 is considered ‘poor’, from 301 to 400 ‘very poor’ and between 401 and 500 the air quality is considered as ‘severe’.

According to the experts, the change in weather conditions with slowing down of wind speed in Delhi is a probable reason for such quality of air in the city. The air quality will further deteriorate during the day, added experts.

Looking at the alarming rate of air quality deterioration in the capital, a parliamentary standing committee held a on November 20 to take an account of the measures taken and further possible options that can be implemented for reducing air pollution.

During the meeting, the Centre talked of converting all the commercial vehicle to CNG in the near future and told the panel replace thermal-based power plants with gas-based plants and restrict the allowance of industries to be operational only in specified areas.

Out of the total Rs 300 crore allocated for pollution control, Rs 146 crore had already been released for the Capital, said officials.

As per the scientists at the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Delhi has already observed three western disturbances in the month of November this year and a fourth one is approaching on November 23. So far, all the three disturbances were weak and brought clouds but only scant rain, which in turn trapped pollutants.