New Delhi: Delhi NCR residents experienced a modest improvement in air quality today, following overnight wind movements that helped reduce pollution levels. Despite the overall PM 2.5 level in Delhi settling at 273, certain hotspots continue to struggle with hazardous pollution. Areas such as Jahangirpuri, Anand Vihar, Mundka, Bawana, Narela, Vivek Vihar, and Wazirabad remain categorised as “very poor” in air quality.
Anand Vihar reported the highest PM 2.5 concentration, reaching 351, followed closely by Mundka, also at 351. Meanwhile, on Tuesday, Delhi’s Environment Minister Gopal Rai announced significant action against illegal firecracker use, revealing that authorities have seized an astonishing 19,005 kilograms of firecrackers during citywide raids. In addition to the seizures, officials have filed 79 cases against individuals violating firecracker regulations.
#WATCH | Truck-mounted water sprinkler sprays tiny droplets of water to mitigate the affects of ‘Poor’ quality air in the national capital of Delhi
Visuals from Mansingh Road pic.twitter.com/LhZMJ8lXvi
— ANI (@ANI) October 30, 2024
AQI across different localities in Delhi today
| Location | Today’s AQI |
| Anand Vihar | 351 |
| Alipur | 300 |
| Bawana | 319 |
| Jahangirpuri | 313 |
| Mundka | 351 |
| Narela | 308 |
| Vivek Vihar | 326 |
| Wazirabad | 327 |
Pollution board issues critical data as AQI deteriorates
Meanwhile, as the National Capital Region struggles with severe air pollution, primarily driven by high levels of particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), these measures come at a critical time. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported that the concentration of PM2.5 hit 105 micrograms per cubic meter at 4 PM, indicating serious health risks for residents.
Fine particulate matter poses significant threats to respiratory health, capable of penetrating deep into the lungs and leading to conditions such as asthma and bronchitis. PM10 particles, measuring 10 micrometers or smaller, are also inhalable and contribute to a range of respiratory issues.
Vehicles turns out to be major source of Delhi’s pollution
Recent findings from the Centre’s Decision Support System for Air Quality Management identified vehicular emissions as the leading source of Delhi’s pollution, responsible for approximately 15.7 per cent of the city’s air quality challenges as of Sunday. The government’s crackdown on firecrackers is part of a broader effort to mitigate pollution and protect public health in the face of an ongoing environmental crisis.
