Despite Improvement, Delhi’s Air Quality Remains in the Very Poor Category
Delhi, 18th November 2023 – Saturday morning brought a slight improvement in the air quality in Delhi and its surrounding areas, transitioning from the severe category to very poor. The overall air quality index (AQI) for Delhi was recorded at 398, marking a noticeable improvement from the previous day’s 461. While this shift provides some relief, the air quality remains in the very poor category.
The System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR-India) reported an AQI of 398 in Ghazipur at 7:15 am on Saturday. Citizens expressed their concerns about the challenges faced due to the compromised air quality, particularly affecting senior citizens and children.
Morning walkers highlighted the difficulty in breathing and the adverse health effects of the current toxic air. Speaking to ANI, one individual noted, ‘There is a lot of pollution in the air, which is giving us health problems.’
Responding to the escalating air pollution, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai sought the Center’s intervention on Friday to address the city’s deteriorating air quality. Rai emphasized that this challenge extends across North India, impacting 12 districts in neighboring Haryana, 14 places in Rajasthan, and various districts in Western Uttar Pradesh. Rai called for a meeting between the Union Environment Minister and state Environment Ministers to address the situation.
In a proactive measure, a 6-member special task force, led by the Special Secretary, was established earlier on Thursday to strictly enforce the imposed restrictions on activities contributing to air pollution.
