Delhi’s Air Turns Deadly Again! Anand Vihar Chokes with AQI Over 400 as Pollution Skyrockets
New Delhi — As of October 16, 2024, Delhi’s air quality has taken a sharp turn for the worse, with Anand Vihar recording an alarming Air Quality Index (AQI) of 433, which falls in the 'severe' category. Despite brief respite earlier in the week, the capital is again battling hazardous pollution levels.
Spike in AQI Across Delhi
On Wednesday, Delhi’s average AQI crossed the 200 mark, with several areas reporting dangerously high pollution levels. According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Anand Vihar stood out with a staggering AQI of 433, signaling severe air quality. Other regions such as Alipur, Bawana, and Rohini also reported AQIs in the 'poor' and 'very poor' categories.
In comparison, neighboring NCR cities like Gurugram, Noida, and Ghaziabad fared slightly better, with AQIs under 200, remaining in the 'moderate' category. However, the respite appears short-lived, as pollution continues to loom over the region.
What is AQI and How is it Measured?
The AQI measures air quality on a scale from 0 to 500:
- 0-50: Good
- 51-100: Satisfactory
- 101-200: Moderate
- 201-300: Poor
- 301-400: Very Poor
- 401-500: Severe
Pollution at 'severe' levels can cause multiple health complications, especially for vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, and people with respiratory conditions.
Pollution Control Measures in Place
Despite marginal improvement in air quality on Tuesday, Delhi remains under pollution control measures as part of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage I. These measures include:
- Regular street cleaning and water sprinkling
- Dust suppression at construction sites
- Strict checks on polluting vehicles
- Emission control in industries, power plants, and brick kilns
- Restrictions on garbage burning and the use of diesel generators
GRAP guidelines also urge offices to implement shared commuting for employees and discourage the use of firecrackers to celebrate festivals in an environmentally friendly way.
AQI Data for Delhi and NCR (October 16, 2024):
- Anand Vihar: 433 (Severe)
- Bawana: 254 (Very Poor)
- Rohini: 212 (Poor)
- Gurugram: 186 (Moderate)
- Noida: 151 (Moderate)
- Ghaziabad: 184 (Moderate)
GRAP Stages Based on AQI:
- Stage I: Poor (AQI 201-300)
- Stage II: Very Poor (AQI 301-400)
- Stage III: Severe (AQI 401-450)
- Stage IV: Severe Plus (AQI >450)
Residents are advised to stay indoors and take precautions as Delhi’s toxic air continues to pose serious health risks.
