New Delhi: Despite continuous effort by the administration, the air quality of the National Capital continues to remain in ‘poor’ and ‘very poor’ categories for the past few days. The city has been seeing incidences like smog and froth in Yamuna river.
The air quality in Delhi has remained in ‘poor’ category continuously for four days now. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) which is a central body has invoked stage 1 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in the city but it showed no impact on the air quality.
AQI crosses 300 mark in several areas
Though the government is fighting with the rise in air pollution levels ahead of winter, the AQI has crossed 300 mark in many areas of Delhi. The AQI has reached 334 in Akshardham, Anand Vihar and its neighbouring areas which falls in ‘very poor’ category.
On Saturday morning many areas have been noticed having a thin layer of smog. According to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the AQI was measured at 346 in Alipur, 235 in ITI Shahdra, 221 in Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, 204 in Ramesh park, 273 near Bhikaji Cama Place which is in ‘poor’ category.
As per CAQM, AQI is considered good when it is between 0 and 50, satisfactory when between 51 and 100, moderate between 101 and 200, poor between 201 and 300, very poor between 301 and 400 and severe between 401 and 500.
Stubble burning not started yet
Due to the worsening air quality, the first stage of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is in force due to which several practices like frequent cleaning of roads with water are been implemented. At a time when the stubble burning incidents have not started and Diwali celebration is coming close, the AQI in ‘poor’ and ‘very poor’ category is alarming. The air quality has not improved even after implementation of several measures by the government.
