National Capital Region faces “Very Poor to Poor” air quality despite 15-point plan; Delhi’s AQI is 309

Delhi, Noida, and Gurugram are currently experiencing air quality ranging from ‘Very Poor’ to ‘Poor,’ with the Air Quality Index (AQI) varying between 221 and 341. This has raised concerns among residents in the National Capital Region (NCR). Despite implementing a 15-point winter action plan to tackle the escalating pollution, the struggle against deteriorating air quality persists.

Efforts such as the ‘Red Light on, Gaadi off’ initiative are underway to combat the surge in PM2.5 levels caused by vehicular and biomass burning emissions. Nevertheless, the haze is expected to persist, with the region forecasted to have ‘Very Poor’ air quality from October 29 to 31, 2023.

According to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR)-India, the overall air quality in the national capital was classified as ‘Very Poor’ on Sunday, with an AQI of 309. SAFAR-India’s latest data reveals that the air quality around Delhi University was recorded at 341 (Very Poor) in the morning, while the IIT area had an AQI of 300. Similarly, the Lodhi Road area had an AQI of 262, falling under the ‘Poor’ category.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) in its bulletin on Delhi’s Air Quality predicted that surface winds in Delhi would mainly come from variable directions with a speed of 04-08 kmph, resulting in mostly clear skies and morning mist on October 29.

In the IIT Delhi region, the AQI was recorded at 300, while it was 228 in the Mathura Road area, both falling under the ‘Poor’ category. Additionally, the air quality at the Airport (T3) was classified as ‘Very Poor’ with an AQI of 323.

Noida recorded an AQI of 317 (Very Poor), and Gurugram recorded 221 (Poor). Earlier, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai mentioned that the 15-point winter action plan was being gradually implemented to curb pollution. He highlighted the commencement of the ‘Red Light on, Gaadi off’ campaign to address vehicle-related pollution.

The Air Quality and Weather Bulletin for Delhi suggests that the air quality is expected to remain in the ‘Very Poor’ category from October 29 to 31, 2023.

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