Despite mild showers across the NCR, the national capital still remains a Gas Chamber
The mild showers in some parts of the Indian national capital, Delhi on the early morning of Sunday, i.e., November 3, 2019 have failed to bring in some respite in the Air Quality Index (AQI), which has become a major cause of concern for Delhiites.
The air quality further deteriorated but remained in the ‘severe’ category on Sunday morning. The AQI recorded at 5:30 a.m. was 447. This comes 2 days after Delhi recorded its worst AQI, forcing authorities to shut down schools, put a temporary ban on construction activities and declare a Public Health Emergency. The AQI recorded on Saturday night, November 2, 2019 at 8:00 p.m. was 402.
The Delhi pollution is so thick that despite showers, it is difficult to see through the city. Instead of bringing relief, the rain has caused pollutant particles to become more concentrated due to humidity.
This is majorly due to the direction of the wind, which is coming from Haryana and Punjab towards Delhi, carrying remnants of stubble burning with it.
For the records, AQI between 0-50 is considered ‘good’. The AQI from 51-100 is considered ‘Moderate’. Between 101-150, it is ‘Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups’. The range 151-200 is ‘Unhealthy’. The AQI between 201-300 is ‘very Unhealthy’. Anything beyond 300 is considered ‘Hazardous’
Post early showers, the AQI at ITO Crossing and Anand Vihar were recorded at 487 and 482. Vasundhara and Indirapuram in Ghaziabad recorded 486 and 482 respectively.
Speaking on the occasion, the Indian Meteorological Department said, “Partly cloudy sky with possibility of very light rain or thundershowers. Strong surface winds during the day (speed 15-20 km). The maximum and minimum temperatures would be around 29 and 19 degree Celsius respectively.”
In addition to respiratory issues, the people of Delhi are also facing eye irritation due to deteriorating air quality. People are advised to wear N95 masks to reduce health risk. A disposable N95 mask (respirator) is a safety device that covers the nose and mouth and helps protect the wearer from breathing in some hazardous substances. It protects the user from breathing in small particles in the air such as dust and mold. It is designed to filter out at least 95% of the dust and mold in the air.
The Chief Minister of Delhi – Arvind Kejriwal has also distributed 50 lakh N95 masks to schoolchildren of both Government and private schools.
Talking to twitter, Arvind Kejriwal tweeted, “Pollution has rched unbearable levels across N India. Del govt taken many steps. Delhiites hv made many sacrifices. Del suffering for no fault of theirs. Punjab CM also expressd concern. Centre shud take immediate steps 2 provide relief. V will support Centre in all initiatives.”
Pollution has rched unbearable levels across N India. Del govt taken many steps. Delhiites hv made many sacrifices. Del suffering for no fault of theirs. Punjab CM also expressd concern. Centre shud take immediate steps 2 provide relief. V will support Centre in all initiatives https://t.co/Vx85xYlDId
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) November 3, 2019
Besides, owing to low visibility 32, flights were diverted from Delhi Airport today morning. According to a Senior Official of Air India, who requested anonymity, the flight operations got affected since morning 9:00 a.m. at Delhi Airport’s Terminal – 3.
