Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) once again hovered near the “very poor” category, and the city woke up to a bitterly cold winter and deteriorating air quality. Early morning readings showed that the minimum temperature had dropped to about 8.3°C, making residents even more uncomfortable as pollution levels increased concurrently.
The national capital’s air quality has begun to deteriorate once more after a brief period of slight improvement. Several monitoring stations are reporting AQI values that are close to the “very poor” mark and hovering in the higher end of the “poor” bracket. Low temperatures, light winds, and increased moisture have trapped pollutants close to the surface, making the sky hazy and making it harder to see in some areas of the city.
The temperature drop is normal for the season, according to meteorologists, but when combined with high pollution, it has a “double whammy” effect on public health. Particulate matter can build up over the city because cold air is typically denser and moves more slowly, preventing pollutants from dispersing.
Vulnerable populations, such as children, the elderly, and people with asthma, bronchitis, or heart conditions, have been advised by medical professionals to take additional precautions. They advise avoiding walks in the early morning and late evening, wearing N95 or similar masks when going outside, keeping windows closed during periods of high pollution, and, whenever feasible, using air purifiers at home.
Authorities have advised locals to strictly adhere to pollution control regulations, minimise the use of private vehicles, and refrain from burning waste in the open. It has been requested that construction sites implement dust-control measures, such as frequent sprinkling and appropriate debris covering.
The Delhi government and pollution control organisations are under pressure to prevent AQI levels from returning to the “severe” range as winter is predicted to worsen in the upcoming days. Delhi residents are currently preparing for a season that will continue to be associated with chilly mornings and contaminated air.
