As Diwali, the festival of lights, approaches, Delhi’s air quality has taken a turn for the worse, with a thick layer of smog engulfing the city. Residents are waking up to a suffocating atmosphere, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) plummeting to ‘severe’ levels in several areas, including Anand Vihar, where it reached a concerning 405. Even areas like ITO, known for their central location, recorded an AQI of 361, categorized as ‘very poor’ by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
The alarming deterioration comes despite a brief improvement in air quality on Thursday due to squally winds. However, experts warn that the situation is likely to worsen over the next few weeks, with the winter season setting in. The looming threat of hazardous air quality has sparked concern and urgent calls for action.
Delhi’s Environment Minister, Gopal Rai, has declared the next 15 days as ‘crucial’ in tackling the escalating air pollution crisis. He emphasized the need for immediate and collaborative efforts to address the issue. The minister expressed disappointment that the crucial meeting with the Central government and neighboring states to assess and plan for air quality improvement was held only in the last week of October. He believes that an earlier meeting, held three months prior, would have allowed for a more proactive and effective approach to tackling the pollution problem.
The situation highlights the urgency of tackling air pollution, particularly during the winter months when meteorological conditions contribute to its aggravation. The Delhi government is urging immediate action from all stakeholders, including residents, industries, and neighboring states, to prevent further deterioration and safeguard public health. It remains to be seen whether these urgent calls for action will translate into concrete measures to curb the looming environmental crisis in Delhi.
