Delhi air quality remains ‘severe’ for fourth consecutive day

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and EPCA are likely to take stock of the situation today, while the Delhi government too is expected to take a call on whether to extend the odd-even road rationing scheme beyond November 15.

Heavy smog as air quality remains in severe category at New Delhi. (Express Photo: Amit Mehra)

Delhi’s battle with air pollution continues for the fourth consecutive day on Friday as the Air Quality Index (AQI) remains “severe” with ITO observatory recording levels at 490 at 9 am. With Ghaziabad, Noida and Gurugram recording AQIs at 487, 465 and 492 respectively, there seems little respite for the people of national capital region.

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and EPCA are likely to take stock of the situation today, while the Delhi government too is expected to take a call on whether to extend the odd-even road rationing scheme beyond November 15.

As per SAFAR, stagnation and very low mixing height have made flushing (of pollutants) almost insignificant. Scattered rainfall is likely over Punjab which may lead to very low fire count over the next two days, it said.

Meanwhile, Nobel laureate Kailash Satyarthi expressed concerns at the rising air pollution levels and shot off a letter to PM Modi asking the Centre to amend the Air Act 1981. “Standing with you, I call upon the Honourable Prime Minister of India, to demonstrate his visionary leadership by amending the Air Act 1981 and come up with a five-year national action plan to ensure clear air,” he was quoted as saying by PTI.

Satyarthi was at the national capital to participate in an event that was cancelled due to the high levels of pollution.

On Thursday, the air quality in the national capital stood at 470 at 9 am while Faridabad recorded AQI at 441, Ghaziabad at 481, Greater Noida 469, Gurugram 427 while Noida at 474 till 9.30 on Thursday morning.

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Delhi air pollution