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By APD writer Rishika Chauhan
NEW DELHI, October 17(APD) - On Tuesday, the air quality in Delhi and the surrounding National Capital Region (NCR) reached ‘very poor’ levels, raising concern about the resulting health hazards.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) of Delhi was recorded at 291 on Tuesday. While, the particulate matter (PM) level is said to be three times more than the safe limit at 338.9.
Meanwhile, citing the deteriorating condition of air quality, the graded response action plan (Grap) was implemented on Monday.
Under Grap, various measures have already been taken to improve the air quality, including sprinkling water on roads, pausing constructions and closing thermal power plants, for the time being.
Grap, includes more measures, like stopping the use of coal and wood in restaurants, banning diesel generator sets, increasing parking fee significantly and improving public transport.
In a Hindustan Times report, a Meteorological Department official was quoted explaining, “There is a western disturbance coming in from October 16 which will bring thundery development. It will also trigger a rise in maximum and minimum temperature. However, after October 18, the wind conditions will again calm down.”
Every winter, the air quality in Delhi and NCR drops to very poor levels, because of a number of factors, including a drop-in wind speed, stubble burning in the surrounding provinces, vehicle emission as well as bursting of fire crackers during the festival of Diwali.
(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)
