Delhi's Air Quality Shows Temporary Improvement
Residents of India's capital experienced a slight reprieve from the choking pollution as Delhi's overall air quality index improved to the 'very poor' category on November 14. According to latest data, the city recorded an AQI of 386 at 6:15 AM, showing significant improvement from the previous day's reading of 404.
The Central Pollution Control Board confirmed this development, marking a shift from the 'severe' category that had plagued the city for several days. However, the relief appears to be temporary as meteorological conditions remain unfavorable and stubble burning activities continue in neighboring states.
Monitoring Stations Paint Mixed Picture
Despite the overall improvement, ground reality remains concerning. Fifteen out of thirty-nine monitoring stations across Delhi continued to report air quality in the 'severe' range. The worst-affected areas included Wazirpur, Bawana, and Mundka, where pollution levels remained dangerously high.
In contrast, Lodhi Road emerged as the area with the best air quality, though it still fell within the 'poor' category. This geographical variation highlights how pollution affects different parts of the capital unevenly, with industrial and high-traffic zones suffering the most.
Stubble Burning Threat Looms Large
The temporary improvement came as stubble burning contributions dropped to 8.54% on Friday from 12% the previous day. However, this respite is expected to be short-lived. Forecast models predict that stubble burning contribution will rise to 16.3% on Saturday, nearly doubling its impact on Delhi's already compromised air quality.
Satellite data revealed alarming numbers of farm fires in neighboring states. Punjab reported 72 incidents, Haryana recorded 15, while Uttar Pradesh witnessed 293 farm fire incidents on November 13 alone. The smoke from crop residue burning in these agricultural states significantly contributes to Delhi's PM2.5 levels.
Meanwhile, transport emissions emerged as the single largest contributor to Delhi's pollution, accounting for 19.8% of the problem according to the Centre's Decision Support System data.
Weather Conditions and Health Concerns
Meteorological conditions continue to work against air quality improvement. Low temperatures and calm winds are trapping pollutants close to the surface, preventing their dispersion. The weather forecast for November 15 predicts shallow fog with temperatures ranging between 10 and 28 degrees Celsius.
The severe pollution situation has prompted serious health concerns among residents and professionals. Senior advocate Vikas Pahwa has approached the Delhi High Court with a plea to temporarily shift to hybrid or virtual hearing modes to protect the health of lawyers, litigants, and court staff.
As Delhi braces for another period of deteriorating air quality, authorities and citizens alike await more permanent solutions to the annual pollution crisis that returns each winter with alarming regularity.
