Delhi Ends Month With 4th Straight ‘Very Poor’ AQI Day, Experiences the Most Polluted October Since 2021

As the clock struck 10 a.m. today, Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) was pegged at 349, with Mundka, Rohini and Anand Vihar localities all recording 'severe' AQIs above the 400 mark. The AQI scale classifies air quality on a spectrum, with scores between 0-50 indicating "good," 51-100 as "satisfactory," 101-200 in the "moderate" range, 201-300 as "poor" and 301-400 as "very poor." Anything above 400 plunges into the "severe" category.

M​onday saw the city register a similar 24-hour average AQI of 347. However, this marked a further decline compared to the previous days. On Sunday, the AQI stood at 325, on Saturday it was at 304, and Friday reported an AQI of 261, classified as "poor" by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

This "very poor" air quality of late is predominantly attributed to slow nocturnal wind speeds and a dip in temperatures. Moreover, these meteorological factors have been further exacerbated by vehicular emissions and pollution wafting from neighbouring regions, per data from the Union Ministry of Earth Sciences.

In tandem with these issues, the ongoing paddy harvesting activities in Punjab have catalysed an alarming spike in stubble burning. With a brief window of opportunity for wheat, a vital Rabi crop, between the paddy harvest and sowing, many farmers opt for this expedient method of burning fields to eliminate crop residue.

Monday's statistics confirm the predicament, reporting a total of 1,030 stubble-burning incidents in Punjab. Of these, Sangrur reported a staggering 198 cases, trailed by 129 in Tarn Taran, 124 in Ferozepur and 80 in Mansa.

Meanwhile, one significant contributor to Delhi’s month-long pollution ordeal has also been the reduced number of rainy days this year in comparison to the past two Octobers. Rainfall typically acts as a natural purifier, substantially enhancing air quality. However, Delhi witnessed only one rainy day through October 2023, while it had the luxury of six to seven rain-soaked days during previous Octobers.

CPCB's data also reveals that Delhi’s average AQI for this month (until October 30) amounted to 214. This number surpasses last year's average October AQI of 210 and dramatically overshadows 2021's October, which was hailed as the cleanest on record, boasting an average AQI as low as 173.

As the capital continues to grapple with these air quality challenges, addressing these contributing factors for the well-being of its residents and the environment is becoming an increasingly crucial need of the hour.

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