Delhi Air Pollution: No Relief from Toxic Air, AQI Remains Alarming in 22 Areas

New Delhi: The situation of air pollution in the country's capital Delhi continues to be worrying. Delhi's air has remained poisonous since Diwali and at present there is no possibility of people getting relief from it. According to the forecast of the Meteorological Department, Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) may remain in the severe category from November 7 to 9. Even after this, the air quality is expected to remain in the very poor to severe category for the next six days. Along with pollution, fog and mist in the morning in the capital can also increase the problems of the people.

How will the situation be in Delhi for the next three days?

According to the Meteorological Department, weather conditions on November 8 and 9 may prevent pollutants from spreading. Due to low wind speed and weak ventilation, pollution particles will accumulate in the atmosphere. The ventilation index is estimated to be 3000 square meters per second on November 8 and 4000 square meters per second on November 9.

According to experts, a ventilation index less than 6000 square meters per second and average wind speed less than 10 kilometers per hour is not conducive to the dispersion of pollutants. In such a situation, there is little possibility of Delhiites getting relief from poisonous air at present.

Is AQI worsening in 22 areas of Delhi?

On Friday, November 6, Delhi's average AQI was recorded at 382 at 4 pm, which falls in the very poor category. At the same time, the pollution level in many areas of the capital crossed 400. Punjabi Bagh recorded the highest AQI of 453.

The situation was extremely worrying in these areas:

• Punjabi Bagh: 453
• Jahangirpuri: 447
• Rohini: 444
• DTU: 443
• RK Puram: 441
• North Campus: 440
• Mundka: 437
• Bawana: 426
• Alipore: 425
• JNU: 408

Will Fog and mist increase problems in the morning?

According to the Meteorological Department, light fog or mist may prevail in many areas in the morning on 7th and 8th November. At the same time, there is a possibility of moderate fog at most places in the morning on November 9. During this period, the maximum temperature can be 27 to 29 degrees and the minimum temperature can be around 17 degrees Celsius. There is no possibility of rain at present.

Did BJP government face backlash on the pollution issue?

Political allegations and counter-allegations regarding increasing pollution in Delhi have also intensified. Aam Aadmi Party has accused the BJP government of manipulating AQI data. Party state president Saurabh Bhardwaj has appealed to the people to remain alert. At the same time, Delhi Congress President Devendra Yadav has also raised questions on the government's winter action plan regarding pollution control.

Lawyers get exemptions in use of vehicles?

Delhi High Court has given relief to lawyers living in NCR amid vehicle restrictions imposed to control pollution. The court has given permission to come to Delhi by vehicles having emission standard less than BS-6 under prescribed conditions. This relaxation will be applicable only on working days of the court. The bench of Justice Amit Mahajan gave this order on the petition of Delhi High Court Bar Association.