Delhi's Air Quality Crisis Worsens as Multiple Stations Record Severe AQI
The national capital continues to grapple with deteriorating air quality as several monitoring stations recorded Severe AQI readings above 400 on Saturday. Data from the Central Pollution Control Board revealed alarming pollution levels across multiple locations in Delhi, with Wazirpur and Bawana emerging as the worst-affected areas.
Critical Pollution Levels Across Monitoring Stations
According to the latest CPCB data recorded at 6 pm on Saturday, Wazirpur recorded the highest AQI at 424, closely followed by Bawana at 424. Other severely affected areas included Vivek Vihar at 415, while ITO and Rohini both registered AQI readings of 408 each.
The situation marks a significant deterioration from Friday, when Delhi had recorded an average AQI of 322. The 24-hour average air quality index stood at 361 on Saturday, placing it firmly in the Very Poor category according to official classifications.
Forecast and Major Pollution Sources
The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology has predicted that air quality is very likely to remain in the Very Poor category from November 9 to 11. More concerning is the forecast from IITM's Decision Support System, which indicates that stubble burning is expected to become the dominant pollution source.
On Sunday, stubble burning contribution to Delhi's PM2.5 levels is projected to rise to 31.24%, making it the most significant pollution source. Emissions from Delhi's transport sector are expected to be the second-highest contributor at 14.25%.
Government Response and State-wise Performance
The Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas has been actively reviewing the situation with state governments. The commission conducted field visits in Punjab to assess the ground situation and expressed serious concerns about the Lehra Mohabbat Thermal Power Plant in Bathinda district.
The CAQM chairperson highlighted poor operational condition and non-compliance with prescribed emission norms at the plant, cautioning that immediate measures are needed to avoid closure directions.
Between September 15 and November 6, Punjab recorded 3,284 stubble burning incidents, showing improvement from 5,041 during the same period last year. However, districts like Muktsar and Fazilka have shown an increase in fire counts, requiring immediate intervention.
In contrast, Haryana has demonstrated significant progress, reporting only 206 farm fires compared to 888 last year during the same period, thanks to incentive schemes and enforcement measures.
Transparency in Air Quality Monitoring
The Delhi Pollution Control Committee issued a clarification on Saturday, asserting that there has been no manipulation of air quality data at monitoring stations. The DPCC emphasized that all readings are transparently monitored and reported, with 24 monitoring stations operational across the city.
The committee stated that almost 99% of stations have been providing continuous data, with only shorter outages or anomalies at some sites. All parameters are published on the DPCC website, and the AQI is subsequently calculated and released by CPCB, ensuring complete transparency in monitoring practices.
Unlike last year when GRAP Stage III restrictions were enforced from November 13, the DPCC noted that pollution mitigation measures have been initiated proactively this year to combat the worsening air quality situation.
