Delhi's Toxic Air Crisis Enters 14th Consecutive Day
For the fourteenth day in a row, Delhi's air quality has stubbornly remained in the 'very poor' category, causing significant health concerns for residents. On Thursday, the capital recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) reading of 377, with weather forecasts indicating no signs of improvement for the upcoming week.
Tracking the Deteriorating Air Quality
The 24-hour average AQI settled at 377 on Thursday, showing a concerning increase compared to previous days this week. The city had recorded 327 on Wednesday, 352 on Tuesday, and 382 on Monday, indicating fluctuating but persistently poor conditions. According to the Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi, the air quality is predicted to remain firmly in the 'very poor' category throughout the forthcoming week.
Meanwhile, the Central Pollution Control Board's (CPCB) Sameer application, which delivers real-time pollution data from monitoring stations across Delhi, had not been updated with the latest readings by 5 PM on Thursday, repeating the technical issue experienced on Wednesday.
Major Pollution Sources Identified
The Decision Support System (DSS) from the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology in Pune provided crucial insights into Thursday's primary pollution sources. Vehicular emissions emerged as the top contributor, accounting for 19.5% of Delhi's pollution. Neighbouring areas added significantly to the problem, with Ghaziabad contributing 8.2% and Baghpat at 7.3%. Surprisingly, stubble burning was only a minor factor at 0.7%. For Friday, projections indicate vehicular emissions will contribute 18.7%, while stubble burning is expected to increase slightly to 1.5%.
Health Warnings and Medical Advice
With Delhi's air quality consistently dipping into 'very poor' and 'severe' categories this winter, medical professionals are raising alarm bells. Doctors strongly emphasize the importance of regular diagnostic screening to detect early signs of health deterioration linked to pollution exposure. This is particularly crucial for vulnerable populations including smokers, asthma patients, children, and individuals with pre-existing cardiac or respiratory conditions.
Health experts note that preventative health checks have become increasingly vital as toxic air triggers airway inflammation, diminishes lung function, and worsens underlying health conditions. The persistent poor air quality demands proactive health monitoring among all residents, especially those in high-risk categories.
Weather Conditions and Temperature Readings
On the meteorological front, Delhi registered a maximum temperature of 25.7 degrees Celsius, which is 0.3 degrees below the seasonal average. The minimum temperature was recorded at 8.3 degrees Celsius, two notches below normal, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The IMD's forecast for Friday anticipates misty conditions, with maximum and minimum temperatures expected to be around 24 and 9 degrees Celsius, respectively.
The combination of low temperatures and poor air quality creates a challenging environment for Delhi's residents, with health authorities urging people to take necessary precautions until air conditions improve.
