Delhi Air Pollution Reaches Crisis Levels at 15 Times the WHO Safety Limit
The air quality in Delhi has reached dangerous levels after Deepavali. Pollution readings have exceeded 15 times WHO’s safe threshold. Air quality is now a serious problem in several parts of Delhi, posing health hazards to the residents.
According to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data, the overall PM2.5 level, which is a major pollutant made up of fine particles, was 228 micrograms/cubic meter on Tuesday at 6 am. Delhi’s air pollution is among the most severe in the world. This number exceeds even the WHO limit for 24 hours of 15 micrograms/cubic meter.
According to IQAir – a Swiss company specializing in air quality monitoring that collects data from over 120 major cities around the globe – Delhi had the highest pollution level on Tuesday. Delhi’s Air Quality Index of 429 was the highest on the list. It is significantly higher than Lahore, which had an index of 260, and Karachi, with a score of 182.
Delhi’s air pollution has increased following the use of firecrackers during Deepavali festivities on Monday. Residents in the city lit off fireworks before and well after designated firecracker-bursting hours between 8 pm and 10 pm. Firecrackers, other than the green ones approved by the City of Toronto for the Festival, were widely available.
Delhi residents are at immediate risk of serious health problems due to the poor air quality, especially children, seniors, and people with respiratory diseases. Experts recommend that you limit outdoor activities and wear protective masks until the air quality improves.
Delhi’s air pollution is usually worse during winter due to several factors, including vehicle emissions, dust from construction, and conditions that trap pollutants near the ground. This post-Deepavali spike is a deterioration of these existing challenges.
If conditions worsen, environmental authorities will implement emergency measures in accordance with the Graded Response Action Plan. This could involve restrictions on building activities, vehicle use limitations, or the temporary closing of schools.
Central Pollution Control Board
Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) is an organization that falls under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India. CPCB was established in 1974 and coordinates the activities of State Pollution Control Boards. It also provides technical assistance and monitors water and air quality throughout India. Visit cpcb.nic.in for more information.
