Delhi's Air Quality Remains Severe

Air Quality in Delhi: Key Facts and Indicators

1. Current Air Quality Status:

   • Delhi's air quality remains in the 'severe' category for three consecutive days, with a 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 404 as of 4 p.m. on Thursday, slightly better than 418 reported previously.
   • CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board) anticipates an improvement to the ‘very poor’ category on November 15, 2025.

2. AQI Classification:

   • AQI Ranges:
     • 51-100: Satisfactory
     • 101-200: Moderate
     • 201-300: Poor
     • 301-400: Very Poor
     • 401-500: Severe
   • Air quality in the severe category affects healthy individuals and significantly impacts those with pre-existing health conditions.

3. Monitoring Stations Data:

   • Out of 39 monitoring stations in Delhi, 28 reported severe air quality levels.
   • Worst affected areas included:
     • Wazirpur: 458
     • Chandni Chowk: 453
     • Bawana: 452

4. Comparative Pollution Levels:

   • Only two locations in Haryana, Bahadurgarh (466) and Rohtak (430), showed worse air quality than Delhi.

5. Contributing Factors:

   • Seasonal meteorological factors (lower wind speeds, temperature falls) elevate air pollution levels during winter months.
   • Stubble burning contributes significantly to PM2.5 levels, accounting for 12% on Thursday, with predictions of rising to 17.3% on November 15 and 17.35% on November 16.

6. Regulatory Actions:

   • The Municipal Corporation of Delhi has issued 482 challans totaling ₹51.26 lakh from November 1-12, targeting residents who violated National Green Tribunal rules.
   • Over 100 challans were registered in the Central Zone, followed by South Zone, Karol Bagh, and City S.P. Zone.

7. Relevant Environmental Policies:

   • National Green Tribunal’s air quality regulations are being enforced through fines for air pollution violations.

Conclusion: The severe air quality in Delhi remains a significant public health concern, with both seasonal phenomena and human activities like stubble burning contributing to pollution levels. The government's regulatory measures through fines and enforcement of environmental laws signify efforts to mitigate this ongoing issue.