Delhi’s air quality reached a hazardous crisis level on Friday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) spiking to a severe 727, according to IQ Air data. A toxic combination of post-Diwali pollution, farm fires in neighbouring states, and stagnant weather conditions has enveloped the capital in a thick, hazardous smog.
Key Takeaways
- Delhi’s AQI hit a hazardous 727 on Friday morning
- Stubble burning contribution to PM2.5 expected to reach 36.9%
- City ranked 4th among India’s most polluted cities
- Marginal improvement expected as wind speeds increase
Rapid Deterioration in Air Quality
The capital’s air quality showed a dramatic decline from Thursday, when the Central Pollution Control Board recorded an AQI of 311 at 4 PM, placing Delhi in the ‘very poor’ category. By Friday morning, readings had more than doubled, pushing the city into the hazardous zone.
Officials have indicated that some improvement is likely later in the day as wind speeds are expected to pick up, potentially dispersing some of the accumulated pollutants.
Delhi Among Most Polluted Cities
Among 254 Indian cities monitored, Delhi ranked as the fourth most polluted. Rohtak topped the list with an AQI of 348 in the ‘very poor’ category. PM 2.5 remained the dominant pollutant across monitoring stations, with 32 out of 38 stations reporting air quality readings above 300.
Stubble Burning Emerges as Primary Culprit
Stubble burning in neighbouring states has become the major contributor to Delhi’s dangerous PM2.5 levels. According to the Air Quality Early Warning System, the contribution of agricultural fires to Delhi’s pollution is projected to rise dramatically from 1.2% on Wednesday to 36.9% on Friday.
Satellite data revealed 94 stubble-burning incidents in Punjab, 13 in Haryana, and 74 in Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday alone. Transport emissions are expected to be the second-largest contributor, accounting for approximately 12-16% of PM2.5 concentrations.
Public Protests Erupt Over Air Crisis
Meanwhile, student and activist groups staged protests at Jantar Mantar on Thursday, condemning both central and Delhi governments for their failure to address the worsening air quality crisis and climate emergency.
Over 80 protesters representing organisations including Scientists for Society, Campaign for Right to Public Health, Naujawan Bharat Sabha, and Disha Students’ Organisation participated in the demonstration, demanding immediate action to tackle the capital’s choking pollution levels.
(With inputs from PTI)
