Delhi’s AQI returns to ‘poor’ levels, cold.
On Monday, the air quality in the national capital saw a brief improvement, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) temporarily moving into the moderate range. However, this improvement was short-lived, as the AQI soon slipped back into the ‘poor’ category due to various factors, including unfavorable weather conditions. The ongoing cold wave in Delhi has also exacerbated the situation, with the weather contributing to the stagnation of air pollutants. As a result, residents of the city continue to experience hazy skies and deteriorating air quality, raising concerns about the impact on health and overall well-being.
Delhi’s Air Quality on New Year’s Day: A Mixed Report Amidst Cold Wave
The city also woke up to a thick layer of fog that enveloped the surroundings, reducing visibility and contributing to the stagnant air, all while residents braced for continued cold weather. The persistent chill, combined with poor air quality, is a recurring issue in Delhi, particularly during the winter months, when weather conditions contribute to the trapping of pollutants in the atmosphere.
A Brief Improvement in Air Quality
However, the situation was not entirely bleak, as Delhi had seen a brief improvement in air quality just two days earlier, on Monday. Following significant rainfall over the weekend, the AQI moved into the “moderate” category for a short period, providing some respite for residents. This improvement was a result of the rainfall that helped clear out some of the accumulated pollutants, but the relief was temporary. By New Year’s Day, as the weather returned to colder and foggy conditions, the AQI slid back into the ‘poor’ category.
The fluctuating nature of Delhi’s air quality is indicative of the complexity of managing pollution in the city, which continues to grapple with multiple sources of air contaminants, including vehicular emissions, industrial pollutants, and seasonal agricultural activities. While occasional improvements in air quality are a welcome relief, they tend to be short-lived, especially when combined with unfavorable meteorological conditions such as low temperatures, calm winds, and fog, which exacerbate the problem by preventing the dispersion of pollutants.
Cold Wave and Its Impact on Air Quality
The maximum temperature was expected to reach around 17.98 degrees Celsius under clear skies, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The clear skies, while providing some sunshine, did little to alleviate the pollution, as colder temperatures tend to trap the polluted air near the surface, reducing its ability to disperse and contributing to higher AQI levels.
Fog and haze, commonly seen during Delhi’s winter months, also played a significant role in reducing visibility and worsening air quality. The fog acts as a barrier that prevents the dispersion of airborne particles, keeping them suspended in the air and further contributing to the pollution levels. These conditions make it difficult for Delhi residents to experience significant improvement in air quality, despite the best efforts of authorities and citizens alike.
Delhi’s Air Quality Improvement in 2024
Despite the current challenges, Delhi’s air quality for the year 2024 showed signs of improvement when compared to previous years. According to data, the city’s average AQI for 2024 was recorded as the second best in comparison to the AQI levels in 2021 and 2022. This is a noteworthy development, considering that Delhi has consistently ranked among the most polluted cities globally. The improvement in air quality during 2024 can be attributed to several factors, including the reduction in farm fires and concerted efforts by the government and various organizations to address pollution sources.
The record low number of farm fire incidents in 2024 played a crucial role in the improvement of Delhi’s air quality. Farm fires, particularly those from neighboring states like Punjab and Haryana, have historically contributed to a significant portion of Delhi’s air pollution during the winter months. The reduced number of these incidents has, therefore, made a noticeable difference in the overall air quality levels. While crop-burning remains a major issue, it appears that ongoing awareness campaigns and better agricultural practices are slowly yielding results.
The Role of Coordinated Measures to Tackle Pollution
In addition to the reduction in farm fires, coordinated efforts to curb emissions from industrial sources, vehicles, and other pollutants have contributed to the improvement in air quality. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has emphasized the importance of these sustained efforts to maintain and further improve the air quality in Delhi. The agency has also highlighted the need for continued vigilance and collaboration between various stakeholders, including the central and state governments, local authorities, and the public.
Several initiatives aimed at reducing vehicular emissions, improving waste management, and promoting the use of cleaner energy sources have contributed to the better air quality in Delhi over the past year. Moreover, the government has intensified its efforts to control industrial emissions and reduce the burning of crop residues, which together constitute a significant proportion of the pollutants that affect the capital’s air quality. While challenges remain, the concerted efforts of both authorities and citizens have made a measurable impact.
Looking Ahead: Challenges and Progress
Although Delhi has made noticeable strides in improving its air quality, the city still faces significant challenges, especially during the colder months when weather conditions hinder the dispersal of pollutants. The persistent cold wave, combined with increased heating demands and vehicular emissions, continues to drive up the AQI levels, particularly in the early mornings and late evenings.
Nonetheless, the improvements seen in 2024 offer a glimmer of hope for the future. The reduced number of farm fires, along with other coordinated measures, suggest that the battle against pollution in Delhi is far from lost. But to continue making progress, the city will need to focus on both short-term and long-term solutions, including stricter enforcement of pollution control measures, promoting cleaner technologies, and encouraging greater public participation in environmental protection efforts.
Conclusion
Delhi’s air quality on New Year’s Day serves as a reminder of the ongoing battle the city faces in terms of pollution and environmental health. While temporary improvements offer hope, the persistence of poor air quality during the winter months highlights the complex nature of managing pollution in a densely populated urban area. However, the significant reduction in farm fires and the overall improvement in 2024 air quality suggest that sustained efforts and collaboration can lead to further progress.
The challenge for Delhi in the coming years will be to maintain this momentum and tackle the persistent sources of pollution. Through coordinated action and a focus on sustainability, the city can hope for cleaner air and a healthier environment for its residents.