Delhi air pollution: Capital finds relief from worsening air quality; AQI remains ‘severe’
Delhi air pollution: Capital finds relief from worsening air quality; AQI remains 'severe' Moneycontrol
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The restrictions included a ban on all kinds of construction work and the entry of polluting trucks into Delhi.
Introduction
Delhi and its surrounding areas experienced a welcome respite from its worsening air quality on November 10 due to the arrival of rain showers. The intermittent showers throughout the day significantly impacted the city’s air quality, as the drizzles helped reduce the suspended particulate matter concentrations, particularly PM 2.5 and PM 10.
Air Quality Situation
Residents have been waking up to hazardous air quality levels for the past few days, with the overall air quality remaining in the ‘severe’ category. Despite light rainfall in the national capital, the National Capital Region’s Air Quality Index (AQI) was still ‘severe’ in the early hours of November 11, with a reading of 339.
Weather Forecast
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that the wind speed on November 11 will increase to approximately 15 kilometres per hour, which will help disperse pollutants before Diwali on November 12. Additionally, a change in the wind direction from the northwest to the southeast, triggered by a new western disturbance affecting northwestern India, will help reduce the amount of smoke generated by stubble burning.
Implementation of Restrictions
Meanwhile, stringent restrictions mandated under the final stage of the Centre’s graded action response plan (GRAP) for Delhi-NCR have also been implemented in the national capital. The restrictions included a ban on all kinds of construction work and the entry of polluting trucks into Delhi.
Government’s Response
The Delhi government, however, deferred its plan to implement the Odd-Even vehicle rationing scheme after the Supreme Court took a stern view of the administration’s efforts to combat pollution.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
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SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
- Indicator: Air Quality Index (AQI) – The article mentions the severe air quality in Delhi and the implementation of restrictions to reduce pollution.
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SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
- Indicator: Suspended Particulate Matter Concentrations (PM 2.5 and PM 10) – The article highlights the impact of rain showers in reducing these particulate matter concentrations.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination. | Air Quality Index (AQI) |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management. | Suspended Particulate Matter Concentrations (PM 2.5 and PM 10) |
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Source: moneycontrol.com
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