No respite from bad air in Delhi-NCR, Pg10

Key Highlights:

• Delhi-NCR's Air Quality Index (AQI) remained in the 'Severe' category for the third consecutive day, with an average AQI of 404.
• Gurgaon and Faridabad ordered schools to conduct classes up to Class 5 in hybrid mode due to 'very poor' air quality and Stage III of GRAP.
• Farm fires contributed 22.47% to Delhi's air pollution on Wednesday, the highest this season.
• Minimum temperature in Delhi was recorded at 10.6 degrees Celsius, three notches below the season's normal.

Detailed Insights:

• The CPCB classifies AQI above 400 as 'Severe', impacting even healthy individuals and seriously affecting those with existing ailments.
• The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) enforced restrictions under GRAP III, leading to measures like hybrid classes in Delhi and neighboring cities.
• Transport sector emissions contributed the highest to Delhi's PM2.5 load at 19.82%, followed by residential sector emissions at 4.83% and construction and demolition waste at 2.92%.
• Over 13,793 burning events were detected in six states between September 15 and November 12, with Punjab reporting the highest at 4,662.
• Low temperatures and calm wind conditions trap pollutants, exacerbating the pollution caused by stubble burning, vehicular emissions, construction, and industrial activities.
• Despite a decrease, stubble burning still contributed significantly to Delhi's air pollution on Thursday at 12.04%.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Air Quality Index (AQI): A metric used to indicate air pollution levels and associated health risks.
• Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP): A set of measures implemented based on air quality to reduce pollution levels.
• PM2.5: Fine particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less, a major air pollutant.