Delhi recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 190 at 8 am on Saturday, placing the national capital in the 'moderate' category and marking a marginal improvement in air quality, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), ANI reported. A day earlier, the capital had recorded an AQI of 223 at 7 am on Friday in the 'poor' category, and 226 on Thursday, also 'poor'.
Source: ANI via LatestLY
The citywide average hid sharp local differences. According to CPCB data cited by ANI, Jahangirpuri recorded an AQI of 276, followed by Alipur at 258, Punjabi Bagh at 251, R K Puram at 250, Bawana at 246, NIH Narela at 244, Rohini at 239, IIT Delhi at 227 and Chandni Chowk at 208, all in the 'poor' category. Anand Vihar at 175, IGI Airport (T3) at 174, JNU at 179 and IGNOU Maidan Garhi at 146 were in the 'moderate' category, while Noida recorded 189 and Greater Noida 159.
Source: ANI via Daily Prabhat
GRAP Stage-I stays in force across Delhi-NCR
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) had on Wednesday invoked Stage-I of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR as air quality remained in the 'poor' category, ANI reported. IANS reported that pollution levels rose following Dussehra celebrations, with smoke and unfavourable meteorological conditions contributing to the deterioration in Delhi-NCR.
Source: IANS via hi INDiA
Minister orders targeted plans for pollution hotspots
Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa has directed officials to formulate targeted action plans for identified pollution hotspots, IANS reported. The plans will focus on identifying local pollution sources, assigning responsibilities to the agencies concerned and setting deadlines for corrective action. At a review meeting, Sirsa instructed officials to analyse AQI monitoring data to pinpoint major contributors in different areas, including road dust, vehicular congestion, construction activities, unauthorised parking and the burning of waste.
Source: IANS via hi INDiA
Government data cited by IANS indicates that transport is the largest contributor among the listed sources of Delhi's air pollution, accounting for 20.3 per cent, followed by residential sources at 5.2 per cent, industries at 4.2 per cent and construction activities at 2.6 per cent. Stage-I GRAP measures emphasise dust suppression, compliance with construction and demolition norms, improved waste management and efforts to control vehicular emissions.