The national capital woke up to a familiar yet alarming sight on Tuesday morning as a thick layer of toxic haze enveloped the city, reducing visibility and pushing air quality into the 'very poor' category. According to monitoring agencies, the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 306, signaling deteriorating conditions that pose significant health risks to Delhi's residents.
What's Causing This Pollution Spike?
Meteorological conditions are playing a crucial role in the current air quality crisis. The India Meteorological Department reported calm wind conditions throughout Monday night, which prevented the dispersion of pollutants. Additionally, the ventilation index - a crucial parameter that determines how effectively pollutants can disperse - recorded a concerningly low value of 4,500 sqm/s.
Key factors contributing to the pollution include:
- Calm wind conditions preventing pollutant dispersion
- Low ventilation index limiting air circulation
- Local pollution sources continuing to operate
- Favorable conditions for pollutant accumulation
Health Implications of 'Very Poor' Air Quality
An AQI reading between 301-400 falls under the 'very poor' category, which comes with serious health warnings. According to health experts, prolonged exposure to such air quality can lead to respiratory illnesses and affect even healthy individuals. The vulnerable populations - including children, elderly, and those with pre-existing conditions - face heightened risks.
Monitoring Agencies Sound Alarm
Both the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) have confirmed the deteriorating air quality. The data indicates a consistent decline in air quality parameters across multiple monitoring stations throughout Delhi and the National Capital Region.
As winter approaches, meteorological conditions are expected to become even more favorable for pollution accumulation, raising concerns among environmental experts and health authorities about the coming months.
