Air quality in Delhi worsened again this week after a brief respite from the pollution crisis, with the city recording very poor air quality on Thursday morning. The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 324, according to data from the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR).Delhis AQI remains in very poor categoryThe Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) registered Delhis AQI above 300 at several parts of the national capital, which falls in the very poor category. Some areas like Okhla and Wazirpur even breached the 400 mark, signifying severe pollution conditions.#WATCH | The Air Quality Index (AQI) across Delhi continues to be in Severe category in some areas as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).(Visuals from India Gate, shot at 6:30 am) pic.twitter.com/KWya28WnmO— ANI (@ANI) November 23, 2023Notably, an AQI between 0-100 is considered good, 100-200 moderate, 200-300 poor, 300-400 very poor, and above 400 is severe. The index measures the levels of ten major air pollutants and helps communicate air quality status effectively to the public.Last week, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) eased many restrictions that were put in place during the GRAP-4 emergency action stage. With air quality seeming to recover, CAQM allowed entry of trucks and buses in Delhi (except old BS-3/4 vehicles) and also lifted the ban on construction activities.However, experts have warned against prematurely rolling back such curbs. We have seen multiple ups and downs in pollution levels this season. The situation remains complex and demands sustained, long-term action on key sources like farm fires, said Dr Sagnik Dey of IIT Delhi.SC on pollution crisisThe Supreme Court (SC) on Tuesday floated punishments like denial of Minimum Support Price (MSP) benefits for farmers engaging in stubble burning to curb this major pollution contributor.Taking notes from worsening air quality, environmental researchers say policy measures should focus both on incentivizing farmers to stop burning crop residue through financial aid and crop equipment subsidies, as well as enforcing deterrents against persistent violators.With air quality oscillating between poor to hazardous levels this winter, Delhi could continue facing serious health risks from the pollution crisis in the absence of consistent, coordinated mitigation efforts across northern India.
