While the overall quality of Delhi is in “very poor” category some areas and pockets in the national Capital are on the verge of entering into the “severe” category with slightest dip in air quality.
The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of Delhi was recorded at 309, according to a data provided by System of Air Quality Forecasting and Research (SAFAR).
While according to data of Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 380, Dwarka Sector 8 registered AQI of 376, ITO recorded 295 and Jahangirpuri recorded an AQI of 349, Rohini an AQI of 353. The CPCB has deployed 41 teams to monitor the implementation of measures taken to combat air pollution.
The emergency plan usually gets implemented only if ‘very poor’ or ‘severe’ air pollution levels are recorded for 48 hours, but given the extent
of winter pollution witnessed by the national Capital, the plan has been already enforced without waiting for the 48 hours.
Dust from unpaved roads, construction activities and traffic congestion are some of the main local factors causing the air quality of Delhi-NCR to deteriorate as reported by 41 inspection teams deployed to monitor the implementation of norms enforced to combat pollution.
According to three reports on the inspections conducted by the Central Pollution Control Board till October 7, it was found that a total of 96 inspections were conducted during which 554 violations were recorded.
Of the 554 cases, 41 per cent violations were for open storage of construction and demolition of waste; 14 per cent for open waste dumping; 13 per cent for dust from unpaved roads; 10 per cent for open dumping of construction waste; 7 per cent for traffic congestion; 5 per cent for road dust re-suspension; and 3 per cent for open burning.
The CPCB has deployed 41 two-membered teams to monitor pollution in the National Capital Region. Delhi’s air quality for the first time this season deteriorated to “very poor”.
The concentration of Particulate Matter (PM)10 in Delhi stood at 287 and the PM 2.5 level was recorded at 131.This is the first time this season that the air quality deteriorated to ‘very poor’ category.Further deterioration of air quality is forecast in the coming days with PM10 to reach 330 and PM2.5 to 151.
The GRAP, notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in 2012, prescribes a set of measures to curb air pollution based on the CPCB daily Air Quality Index.
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