POLLUTION

Delhi Reports Worst November Air Quality in 7 Years; Here're Glimpses of How Smog Enveloped the Capital (PHOTOS)

A view of the Lotus temple on two different days during November 2021. (Rajesh Mehta/TOI, BCCL, Delhi) — A view of the Lotus temple on two different days during November 2021.
(Rajesh Mehta/TOI, BCCL, Delhi)

Wednesday, December 1: Since the start of November, Delhi has been shrouded with toxic pollution, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) repeatedly breaching ‘severe’ levels. So far, there has been no respite for the National Capital Region. Even with the curbs imposed by the state governments, the air quality remained mainly in the range of ‘severe’ to ‘very poor’, with occasional improvements to ‘poor’ category. There were no clean air days in sight for the Delhiites throughout the month.

In fact, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data has estimated that Delhi witnessed the worst air quality for November month in the last seven years. The capital city recorded severe pollution on 11 days, with the average AQI standing at 376. As per reports, the drastic spike in pollution during last month could be due to a shift in stubble burning activities by more than a week following the delayed withdrawal of the southwest monsoons.

The last month of the calendar year has also started with the residents breathing in ‘very poor’ air quality. On December 1, the overall air quality index for Delhi stood at 337. The latest forecast by the SAFAR model highlights that winds are likely to be calm on December 2. This would further deteriorate the air quality due to reduced ventilation. The AQI is expected to jump to 363 on Thursday.

By December 3, the winds are expected to gain pace, enhancing the pollutant dispersal. However, the possibility of clean air is bleak as this will only marginally improve the situation, and the overall AQI will continue to remain in the ‘very poor’ category. There is also a possibility of some rain, drizzle, and shallow morning fog in the coming days. As per the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the maximum temperatures are likely to settle around 25℃, while the minimum stays around 10℃.

Here’re some snapshots of how pollution enveloped various parts of Delhi in November.