Delhi's AQI remains 'severe' for 3rd day; stubble-burning major contributor
What's the story
Delhi's air quality remained in the "severe" category for the third consecutive day on Thursday, with stubble burning emerging as a major contributor to pollution. The Air Quality Early Warning System (EWS) recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 409 on Thursday morning, while the private monitor AQI.in showed an alarming level of 644. Visibility was severely affected in central areas like Daryaganj, where residents donned masks and scarves against the toxic smog.
Pollution sources
Stubble burning major contributor to pollution
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) recorded an AQI of 455 in Daryaganj, which falls in the "severe" category. Other areas like Anand Vihar (431), Alipur (418), Bawana (460), Chandni Chowk (455), RK Puram (444), and Patparganj (423) also reported similar readings. The Decision Support System (DSS) identified stubble burning as the biggest contributor to Delhi's toxic air on Wednesday, accounting for 22.47% of PM2.5 levels, surpassing vehicular emissions at 15.5%.
Rising trend
Rising trend in stubble burning contribution
The contribution of stubble burning to Delhi's pollution has been rising since late October. It increased from 2-4% between October 26 and November 5 to around 10% on November 6. This figure rose further to 13.68% on November 10, then to 15.45%, and finally peaked at Wednesday's figure of over a fifth (22.47%). For Thursday, DSS forecasts stubble burning will contribute about 10.1% to PM2.5 levels in Delhi, while transport emissions are expected to rise to nearly a fifth (19.3%).
Pollution measures
CAQM implements Stage 3 GRAP measures
In light of the severe air quality, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has implemented Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the National Capital Region. The measures include a ban on non-essential construction and demolition activities, as well as restrictions on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers in Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Noida.
Education impact
Schools switch to online classes
The Delhi Directorate of Education (DoE) has also directed primary classes up to Grade 5 to switch to hybrid or online mode until further notice. Last November, Delhi had eight "severe" air quality days, with an AQI of 494 on November 18, the second-highest ever recorded in the capital. Due to worsening air quality in Delhi, On Wednesday, the Supreme Court asked Punjab and Haryana about action taken to control stubble burning in the states.