Delhi records season's worst air quality with AQI of 481

The national capital woke up to its worst air quality of the season, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) hitting 481 on November 18, 2024. According to NDTV, which cited officials, Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) are experiencing severe pollution due to "unfavorable" meteorological conditions.

According to the Air Quality Index, an AQI of 0-50 is good, 51-100 satisfactory, 101-200 moderate, 201-300 poor, 301-400 very poor, 401-450 severe, and above 450 severe-plus. The reading of 481 places the air quality in the "severe-plus" category, posing significant health risks to residents.

The thick smog reduced visibility in the national capital, raising concerns about potential flight disruptions. Private airline IndiGo warned on Sunday night that the fog could delay flights due to impaired visibility. Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL), the operator of the Delhi airport, confirmed the activation of low visibility procedures to manage the situation.

"Low visibility procedures are in progress at Delhi airport. All flight operations are normal," DIAL noted in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

In response to deteriorating air quality, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) on November 17, with measures effective from 8 AM on November 18. This step marks the highest intervention level under GRAP to curb pollution.

In an urgent meeting on November 17, the CAQM's Sub-Committee reviewed air quality data and forecasts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM).

The Sub-Committee observed Delhi's AQI had reached the severe-plus category, with recordings of 447, 452, and 457 at 5 PM, 6 PM, and 7 PM on November 17. The forecasts indicate the air quality will likely remain in the severe-plus range due to heavy fog, variable winds, and other adverse conditions.

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has issued a public health advisory, urging residents, especially children, the elderly, and those with health conditions, to limit outdoor activities and stay indoors as much as possible.

With the AQI surpassing 450, entering the "severe-plus" category, the risk of severe health impacts increases. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely and may introduce additional emergency measures, including the odd-even vehicle rationing scheme, if the air quality doesn't improve.

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