Delhi's air quality poor for fifth day in row, to worsen in days ahead

Delhi's air quality has been 'poor' for five days, likely to worsen. Measures like increased parking fees, CNG/electric buses & metro, dust suppressants, 15-point action plan launched to mitigate air pollution.

Delhi's air quality was recorded in the 'poor' category for the fifth consecutive day on October 27 and is likely to deteriorate in the coming days due to unfavourable meteorological conditions, according to monitoring agencies.

The city's average air quality index (AQI) stood at 256 at 9 a.m. Several areas recorded their AQI in the 'very poor' category. Delhi's 24-hour average AQI was 256 at 4 p.m. on October 26, 243 on October 25 and 220 on October 24.

According to the Centre's Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi, the city's air quality is likely to deteriorate to 'very poor' category on October 28.

An AQI between zero and 50 is considered 'good', 51 and 100 'satisfactory', 101 and 200 'moderate', 201 and 300 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', and 401 and 500 'severe'.

The Delhi government launched a campaign to curb vehicular pollution on October 26, a year after Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena put it on hold, questioning its effectiveness.

A 2019 study conducted by the Central Road Research Institute showed that keeping engines running at traffic signals can increase pollution levels by more than 9 per cent.

A range of emission inventory and source apportionment studies carried out for Delhi in the past few years suggested that on-road vehicular exhaust emissions account for 9 per cent to 38% of PM2.5 emissions in the capital.