Delhi Air Pollution: PWD Sprinkles Water to Combat Rising Pollution as Smog Engulfs City
IMD predicted that Thursday's maximum temperature will reach 33°C, with a minimum of 19°C.
Delhi Air Pollution Latest News: In a bid to address the worsening air quality in the national capital, Public Works Department (PWD) vehicles began water sprinkling operations in various parts of Delhi on Thursday morning. This measure is part of ongoing efforts to tackle the city's increasing pollution levels, as thick smog continued to blanket the city, pushing air quality into the 'very poor' category.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has implemented Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the National Capital Region (NCR), which includes daily mechanical and vacuum sweeping of key roads, along with water sprinkling to reduce dust and particulate matter in the air.
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Air Quality Index (AQI) in several areas of Delhi on Thursday morning hovered in the 'very poor' range. Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 392, Ashok Vihar 350, IGI Airport T3 334, ITO 324, RK Puram 359, and Dwarka-Sector 8 348. These figures indicate severe air quality concerns across the city.
An AQI between 301-400 is categorized as 'very poor,' which can cause respiratory discomfort to individuals, especially vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted that Thursday's maximum temperature will reach 33°C, with a minimum of 19°C.
Despite efforts to control pollution, experts have pointed out that stubble burning, while a significant contributor during October and November, accounts for only 6-8% of Delhi's annual pollution. "During the critical period of October and November, stubble burning contributes 25-30% to air pollution. However, for the rest of the year, its impact is considerably lower," explained Professor Sagnik Dey from IIT Delhi's Centre for Atmospheric Sciences.
He emphasized the need for year-round efforts to address other sources of pollution, such as vehicular emissions, industrial output, and construction dust, which are key contributors to Delhi's chronic air quality issues.
Adding to the environmental crisis, toxic foam was spotted floating in the Yamuna River near Kalindi Kunj, signaling high pollution levels in the water as well. As the city's pollution woes intensify, authorities and environmentalists continue to stress the importance of long-term solutions to ensure cleaner air and a healthier environment for residents.