The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB,) on the 13th of November, recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 457 at 6:40 A.M.
According to the CPCB, the AQI continued to worsen on the night of the 12th of November and was in the ‘severe’ category. The CPCB said if the AQI continues to worsen, it could be pushed to the ‘severe plus’ category.
According to scientists and weather experts, the AQI is likely to be worse on the 14th of November due to the low wind speed. The AQI recorded on the 12th of November was 425, whereas by the early morning of the 13th of November, the AQI touched 457.
A senior scientist of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said, “The average wind speed on Tuesday remained around 7-8kmph. The situation will remain like this till Friday, after which winds are expected to pick up and clean the air a little.”
The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) of the CPCB is going to conduct a meeting and discuss the ways the air pollution in Delhi can be brought under control.
Since the past few days, Delhi has been witnessing a rise in particulate matter (PM) 2.5, AQI and air pollution, making it difficult for the citizens to live in the City. Despite measures like the implementation of the Odd-Even scheme and ban on construction and industrial activities, there is no sign of respite from the poor quality of air.
The major reason behind the air pollution increasing is said to be the burning of crop stubble in Haryana and Punjab, which directly affects the air quality in Delhi. Kailash Gahlot, the Transport Minister of Delhi, said, “We will decide on what action to take after Wednesday’s review.”
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court (SC) appointed Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority asked the Delhi Government why the Odd-Even scheme was not in effect on the 12th and 13th of November.
Considering the situation of Delhi, the Delhi Government may extend the Odd-Even scheme beyond the 15th of November.
Stay tuned for further updates.
