Thick smog envelops Delhi as air quality deteriorates to 'hazardous' level
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Background
A thick layer of smog could be seen enveloping most parts of the national capital on Monday with the level of pollution in escalating to hazardous point. The Air Quality Index has deteriorated further and has now reached a ‘severe’ level. As per the data of the Central Pollution Control Board on Monday at 7 am the AQI of Delhi shot above the alarming 500 mark.
As per the board, if the AQI is anywhere in the range of 401-500, it is a severe condition and can potentially affect healthy people and seriously impacts those with existing diseases. It is said that government websites cannot measure data above 500. As per another website the Air Quality Index was recorded as ‘hazardous’ with the PM 10 and PM 2.5 nearing 700. Authorities on Sunday had warned of severe deterioration in the air quality from Monday. People out on streets complained of irritation in eyes and difficult breathing.
Pictures from different parts of the capital showed haze covering up the streets. An official of the Centre-run System of Air Quality Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) had told PTI that there is a large possibility of an increase in moisture from Monday evening, which might lead to an increase in the pollution level. The AQI is predicted to be in the lower range of very poor Monday as the atmosphere is relatively clean. On Sunday it was easy breathing for Delhiites as air quality significantly improved due to increased wind speed.
The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) had said that fire counts in the northwest region of India were significantly less on Saturday as compared to Thursday but warned of a sharp increase in PM2.5 concentration from Monday. It told PTI that if significant stubble burning continues on Sunday and Monday in the NW (northwest) region of India then its impact is very likely over Delhi and AQI may reach the upper end of the very poor category. "The northwest wind direction may bring the influence of biomass fire on Tuesday and Wednesday," it said. Officials in the capital have taken measures like halting construction activities and regulating traffic in the national capital to combat pollution.
There is a halt on all construction activities involving excavation. Civil construction has also been suspended in Delhi and other NCR districts, besides closure of all stone crushers and hot mix plants generating dust pollution. The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has also directed the Transport Department and the Traffic Police to intensify checking of polluting vehicles and control travel congestion in the region during November 1-10. An aggressive 10-day-long 'Clean Air Campaign' from November 1 to 10 has also been launched to monitor and report polluting activities as well as to ensure quick action. Watch:
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