The National Capital Continues to Experience ‘Very Poor’ Air Quality; Supreme Court Issues More Directives

Today, Delhiites woke up to foggy skies, with the overall AQI standing at 370 as per the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR). As of 11:30 am, PM10 was recorded at 353 units (very poor) and PM 2.5 at 211 (very poor).

Several areas such as Delhi University's North campus, R K Puram, ITO, Dwarka, Punjab bagh, the Mathura Road and Mandir Marg have reported 'severe' level AQIs of more than 400. Meanwhile, Noida, Pusa, Gurugram, Lodhi Road, Dilshad Garden and Shadipur have recorded a 'very poor' category of air, with AQI between 301 and 400.

This week, minimum temperatures across the capital are likely to fall below 10°C, with the arrival of a fresh western disturbance. As per the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the maximum temperature in Delhi-NCR will hover around 26°C for today, with possibility of shallow fog.

According to SAFAR's bulletin, the local surface winds are likely to increase moderately on November 29 and 30, which will increase the dispersion of pollutants, leading to slight improvement. However, the AQI will continue to remain in the 'very poor' category. The low mixing layer height due to lower temperatures is preventing the efficient dispersion of pollutants. The share of stubble burning related pollutants in Delhi's PM2.5 lies at around 3%.

Relatively strong surface winds coming from the northwest direction of Delhi on the 29th (05-12 kmph) and 30th (12-16 kmph) will keep the air pollution at bay to a certain extent. But from December 1 onwards, the winds will calm down, and the temperatures will drop, reducing ventilation and further deteriorating the air quality.

In other news, following a Supreme Court judgment, the Delhi administration re-imposed a ban on construction and demolition activity last Thursday.

On Monday, the Supreme Court held a hearing on a public interest lawsuit involving excessive levels of air pollution in Delhi-NCR. It cautioned that if state governments do not follow the orders given by the Supreme Court, the Centre, and the Air Quality Management Commission to reduce pollution, the court will form a task force to ensure implementation of the orders. Furthermore, the state governments of Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Haryana have been asked to follow instructions outlined by the Commission for Air Quality Management in Delhi and submit compliance reports. The next hearing of the case is scheduled for Thursday.

Meanwhile, Senior advocate Vikas Singh stated that the ongoing construction activity associated with the Central Vista project could also be adding to the air pollution in Delhi and urged the court to issue directions to stop it. Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai will also convene a high-level conference on Monday to assess the capital's air pollution condition.

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