Delhi Air Pollution: National Capital Records Best AQI On Diwali In 8 Years
Delhi Air Pollution: National Capital Records Best AQI On Diwali In 8 Years Zee News
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New Delhi Records Best Air Quality in Eight Years on Diwali
On Diwali evening, the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi remained in the “poor” category. However, compared to previous years, this Diwali the AQI did not reach a grim milestone. Anand Vihar station, a notable hotspot, reported a “poor” category with PM 10 at 272 and PM 2.5 at 240. The CO level was at 62, and NO2 stood at 363, both falling under the “satisfactory” category according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) at 7 p.m.
Meanwhile, at the Bawana station, PM 10 recorded 127, categorizing it as “poor,” while PM 2.5 at 99 was classified as “moderate.” The CO level was 62, and NO2 was 63, both falling under the “satisfactory” category.
Improvement in Air Quality During Diwali: Lowest 24-Hour Average AQI in Eight Years
Based on data from the Central Pollution Control Board, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi was as follows on Diwali in recent years:
- 2022: 312
- 2021: 382
- 2020: 414
- 2019: 337
- 2018: 281
- 2017: 319
- 2016: 431
On Saturday, the 24-hour average AQI marked 220, the lowest recorded on the day preceding Diwali in the past eight years.
The air quality in Delhi exhibited significant improvement just ahead of the festival, attributed to intermittent rain on Friday and favorable wind speeds that facilitated the dispersion of pollutants. In contrast, the 24-hour average AQI on Thursday stood at 437. Over the preceding two weeks, from October 28, the air quality in the city had ranged from ‘very poor’ to ‘severe,’ contributing to a dense smog that enveloped the capital during this period.
In the case of the Dwarka Sector-8 station, PM 10 reached 114, placing it in the “moderate” category, and PM 2.5 was at 95, categorized as “satisfactory.” The air quality at the Indira Gandhi International Airport T3 area was in the “moderate” category with PM 2.5 at 116 and PM 10 at 99, both falling under the “satisfactory” category.
The PM 2.5 at Jahangirpuri was recorded at 130 while PM 10 reached 125, placing both under the “moderate” category. The carbon monoxide (CO) level reached 72, in the “satisfactory” level, and NO2 was at 12, in the “good” category.
At Delhi University’s North Campus station, the PM 2.5 reached 111, in the “moderate” category, and PM 10 was at 97, in the “satisfactory” category, while the CO level was at 95, in a “satisfactory” level.
Potential Surge in Pollution Levels Anticipated
There is a potential for an increase in pollution levels in Delhi on Sunday night, attributed to lower temperatures and the burning of firecrackers. Data from the ‘Decision Support System’ indicates that stubble burning in neighboring states, particularly Punjab and Haryana, contributed to 23% of pollution in the national capital on Wednesday. The smoke released from these incidents was a significant factor. On Thursday, the contribution of stubble burning to pollution rose to 33%, while it decreased to 10% on Friday.
The AQI is categorized as follows:
- 0-50: Good
- 51-100: Satisfactory
- 101-200: Moderate
- 201-300: Poor
- 301-400: Very Poor
- 401-500: Severe
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | 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 | 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. | Air Quality Index (AQI) |
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
The article discusses the air quality in Delhi during Diwali and the potential pollution risks associated with firecrackers and low night temperatures. This is directly connected to SDG 3, which aims to ensure good health and well-being for all.
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
The article also mentions the improvement in air quality in Delhi due to favorable wind speeds and intermittent rain. This is related to SDG 11, which focuses on creating sustainable cities and communities, including addressing air quality issues.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
The article highlights the improvement in air quality during Diwali, which is relevant to this target as it aims to reduce the negative health impacts of air pollution.
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.
The article mentions the improvement in air quality in Delhi due to favorable wind speeds and intermittent rain, indicating progress towards this target of reducing the adverse environmental impact of cities, particularly in terms of air quality.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
The article mentions the Air Quality Index (AQI) as a measure of air quality in Delhi. The AQI is a widely used indicator to measure the level of air pollution and its impact on health. It can be used to assess progress towards Target 3.9 and Target 11.6.
4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | 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 | 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. | Air Quality Index (AQI) |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: zeenews.india.com
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