New Delhi, December 10 – The air quality in the national capital deteriorated to the ‘Very Poor’ category on Sunday as fog engulfed the city, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). At 8 am, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the RK Puram-Munirka area was recorded at 345, while Anand Vihar registered an AQI of 315. The thick layer of fog resulted in low visibility, as seen near the Munirka Metro station. The CPCB also reported ‘Very Poor’ AQI levels in ITO and Dhaula Kuan. The capital witnessed a brief respite from pollution due to rains but has since returned to the ‘Very Poor’ category. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts clear skies with shallow to moderate fog in Delhi till December 11. Dense fog alerts have also been issued in isolated areas of neighboring states.
Air pollution continues to plague the national capital, as the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) slipped to the ‘Very Poor’ category on Sunday. The CPCB revealed that the RK Puram-Munirka area recorded an AQI of 345, while Anand Vihar registered a reading of 315 at 8 am. As thick fog enveloped the city, visibility dropped significantly. The areas of ITO and Dhaula Kuan also reported ‘Very Poor’ AQI levels according to CPCB data. Despite a brief respite brought on by rainfall, Delhi’s air quality quickly returned to the ‘Very Poor’ range. The IMD predicts no immediate showers until December 11 and expects shallow to moderate fog in the mornings. Dense fog alerts have been issued for certain areas in neighboring states.
The persistently poor air quality has been a cause for concern in Delhi, especially as it has remained in the ‘Severe’ to ‘Very Poor’ range for several weeks. While rains offered some temporary relief, the overall AQI slipped back to ‘Very Poor’ on Friday. The Anand Vihar area reported an AQI of 374 that morning. The next day, the CPCB recorded an AQI of 276 for the city. The IMD forecasts clear skies yet foggy mornings in Delhi till December 11. On Sunday, the IMD also issued a dense fog alert for isolated areas across five states, including parts of Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Sikkim, Assam, and Meghalaya.
The CPCB’s data highlights the ongoing air pollution crisis in Delhi, with ‘Very Poor’ AQI levels persisting amidst the fog. It is crucial for authorities to implement effective measures to combat the pollution and protect the health of residents. The rise in air pollution poses significant risks to respiratory health and other related illnesses. The situation calls for collective action from both the government and citizens to address the root causes and adopt sustainable solutions.
As we continue to grapple with the challenges posed by air pollution, it is imperative for everyone to remain informed and take necessary precautions. Staying indoors during periods of high pollution, wearing masks when venturing outside, and supporting clean air initiatives are some of the steps individuals can take to safeguard their well-being. It is only through concerted efforts that we can create a cleaner, healthier future for Delhi and its residents.
In conclusion, Delhi’s air quality dipped to ‘Very Poor’ on Sunday as the city was shrouded in dense fog. With AQI readings of 345 in RK Puram-Munirka and 315 in Anand Vihar, visibility was severely impacted. The overall air quality in the national capital has struggled to escape the ‘Very Poor’ range, highlighting the urgent need for long-term solutions to combat pollution. As fog warnings continue across several states, it is clear that addressing air pollution requires comprehensive action and collective responsibility.
