Residents of the national capital breathed a cautious sigh of relief as Delhi's air quality showed a marginal improvement on Tuesday. After days of hazardous pollution levels, the city's average Air Quality Index (AQI) settled at 234, which falls in the 'poor' category according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). However, this respite is expected to be short-lived, with forecasting agencies predicting a likely deterioration in air quality over the next few days.
Current Air Quality Status and Forecast
The data released by the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) indicated that the overall AQI for Delhi was recorded at 234. This marks a significant shift from the 'very poor' category observed in the preceding days. The primary pollutant dominating the city's atmosphere continues to be PM2.5, the fine particulate matter that poses severe health risks.
Despite the current improvement, the forecast is not optimistic. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) and SAFAR have warned that meteorological conditions are likely to become unfavorable for the dispersion of pollutants. A combination of factors, including calm winds and a drop in temperature, is expected to trap pollutants closer to the ground, leading to a probable increase in pollution concentration.
Factors Behind the Temporary Improvement
The brief improvement in Delhi's air quality can be attributed to relatively better wind speeds that aided in the dispersal of accumulated pollutants. However, experts emphasize that this is a temporary phase. The wind pattern is predicted to change, becoming calmer, which will reduce the natural ventilation effect. Additionally, the minimum temperature is likely to fall, contributing to the formation of a denser atmospheric layer that acts like a lid over the city.
This phenomenon, often referred to as a temperature inversion, prevents the vertical mixing of air and allows pollutants to accumulate. The forecast suggests that the AQI could slip back into the 'very poor' category (301-400) in the coming 48 to 72 hours if current emission levels persist and weather conditions worsen as predicted.
Ongoing Measures and Public Health Advisory
While the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) measures, enforced by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), remain active, the slight improvement led to the revocation of certain stricter curbs. However, authorities are on high alert, ready to re-impose restrictions if the air quality deteriorates again.
Health experts continue to advise caution, especially for vulnerable groups. The 'poor' AQI level of 234 still poses health risks to people with respiratory or heart diseases, the elderly, and children. Doctors recommend minimizing prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors, wearing N95 or P100 masks when outside, and keeping medications for asthma and other lung conditions readily available.
The situation underscores the persistent and complex challenge of air pollution in Delhi, where temporary meteorological relief is often followed by rapid deterioration, highlighting the need for sustained, year-round action on emission sources.
