Delhi Chokes Under Hazardous Air Quality for 11 Straight Days
Delhi's air pollution crisis continued unabated on Monday as the city recorded an overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of 382, dangerously close to the 'severe' category threshold. This marks the eleventh consecutive day that India's capital has been grappling with 'very poor' air quality, creating serious health concerns for residents.
Monitoring Stations Paint Grim Picture
According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the situation is particularly alarming in specific areas. Fifteen out of thirty-eight active monitoring stations reported AQI readings exceeding 400, pushing them into the 'severe' category that poses health risks to all residents.
The worst-affected areas included ITO, Punjabi Bagh, Patparganj, Ashok Vihar, Sonia Vihar, Rohini, Vivek Vihar, Narela, and Bawana. These locations recorded pollution levels that far exceeded safe limits, with the CPCB's Sameer app providing real-time confirmation of the hazardous conditions.
Pollution Sources and Weather Conditions
The Decision Support System (DSS) from the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology in Pune identified vehicular emissions as the primary pollution source, contributing 21.6% to Delhi's toxic air on Monday. In contrast, stubble burning accounted for only 1.8% of the pollution load.
Satellite imagery revealed that while Punjab reported just three farm fires and Haryana only one, Uttar Pradesh recorded 522 farm fires on Sunday, though their contribution to Delhi's pollution remained minimal.
The India Meteorological Department reported unusual temperature patterns, with the minimum temperature dropping to 9.3 degrees Celsius, two degrees below normal, while the maximum settled at 26.1 degrees Celsius, slightly above average. For Tuesday, the IMD forecast moderate fog with temperatures expected to range between 9 and 24 degrees Celsius.
Consistent Pollution Pattern Emerges
The 24-hour average AQI data reveals a persistent pollution problem throughout the week:
- Sunday: 391 AQI
- Saturday: 370 AQI
- Friday: 374 AQI
- Thursday: 391 AQI
- Wednesday: 392 AQI
- Tuesday: 374 AQI
- Previous Monday: 351 AQI
According to CPCB standards, AQI levels between 301-400 are classified as 'very poor' while readings between 401-500 fall into the 'severe' category that can affect healthy people and seriously impact those with existing diseases.
The projections for Tuesday indicate similar pollution patterns, with vehicular emissions expected to contribute approximately 21% and stubble burning around 1.6% to Delhi's deteriorating air quality.
