New Delhi(NVI): A day after health emergency was declared in the National Capital, its residence continued to choke under heavy smog as Delhi’s air Quality was reported to be “severe” on November 2, down from yesterday’s “hazardous” level in the wake of increase in wind speed.
The city’s overall air quality index (AQI) stood at 407 at 10am on November 2. It was 484 the previous day, according to official data. In the National Capital Region (NCR), Ghaziabad and Greater Noida recorded AQIs of 459 and 452, respectively, at 10am on November 2 whereas the previous day they had an AQI of 496 at 4pm, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) said.
The CPCB air quality index, which measures the concentration of poisonous particulate matter, however reported “severe plus” category air quality in some regions, including a high 702 in Satyawati College area.
The index had exceeded 700 in many parts of Delhi-NCR in recent days, which is classified as hazardous level on the government scale, which means these tiny poisonous particulate matter can be carried deep into the lungs, causing deadly diseases including respiratory illnesses, cancer and cardiac problems.
Meanwhile, Supreme Court to consider a report relating to air pollution filed by SC appointed panel, Environment Pollution (Prevention & Control) Authorityon November 4. A Bench headed by Justice Arun Mishra will also hear issue relating to pollution caused by stubble-burning in the neighbouring states.
In its report before the Supreme Court, EPCA has sought directions to neighbouring states to take steps to stop burning of waste, toxic emissions from industries and dust from from construction sites.
Meanwhile, Environment Minister Prakash Javedkar on the sideline of 50th International Film Festival of India said that CPCB has sent 45 teams in the field in various parts of NCR to give alerts beside suggesting remedies to the concerned agencies.
“Solution to Air pollution is not ‘switch on’ and ‘switch off ‘mode. It is the sustained efforts which will bring down the pollution. All the state agencies and people need to participate in this effort to combat Air pollution.” he added.
Meanwhile, According to Central Government agency SAFAR, stubble burning on November 1 contributed to 46 per cent in Delhi’s Pollution, highest this year.
The Environment Prevention and Control Authority had on November 1 declared a public health emergency in Delhi-NCR and banned all construction works while the city schools work closed till November 5.
Meanwhile a news channel has cited Nasa Maps to Report that is not only covering Delhi but also spreading in neighbouring states Punjab, Haryana, UP, West Bengal and Madhya Pradesh.
