Kumar Bahukhandi
After people in Delhi burst firecrackers’ of Deepawali night, openly flouting an existing ban, air pollution in Delhi on Friday,November 1, 2024 morning was about 14 times the limit prescribed by the World Health Organization (WHO).
The overall level of PM2.5 (a chief pollutant) in Delhi was 209.3 micrograms per cubic meter at 8 a.m. on Friday, as per Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data. The WHO’s permissible limit is 15 micrograms per cubic meter for a 24-hour period.
Why is Delhi’s air quality deteriorating? | Explained
What factors contribute to the deterioration of air quality in Delhi during the winter months? How does stubble burning affect PM 2.5 levels? What role do urban emissions from vehicles play in determining air quality? Why is a coordinated approach necessary to tackle the air pollution crisis?
The story so far: With the withdrawal of the southwest monsoon and the onset of winter, the air quality in Delhi has started to nose-dive. This week, the city and its adjoining territories have consistently recorded particulate matter (PM 2.5) levels exceeding 300, or ‘very poor’ air quality, and forecasts suggest that this could worsen in the coming days. As is now an established pattern, the decline in air quality coincides with the burning of farm stubble, primarily from Punjab.
