New Delhi: Delhi's air quality took a hit for the worse on Sunday, recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 219, just a day after Dussehra celebrations wrapped up in the city. The Central Pollution Control Board's report card shows the city's air quality has slipped into the "poor" category, with an AQI between 201 and 300.
Key Factors Behind Delhi's Air Pollution
The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has identified the main culprits behind the city's air pollution woes:
Biomass Burning: Burning of crop residues and other organic matter.
Road Dust: Emissions from vehicles and construction activities.
Industrial Emissions: Pollution from factories and power plants.
Construction Dust: Dust generated from construction and demolition sites.
Fluctuating Air Quality Over the Years
Delhi's air quality has seen significant fluctuations over the past eight years:
- 2024: 96 days of poor, very poor, or severe air quality (as of September 19).
- 2023: 159 days.
- 2022: 202 days.
- 2021: 168 days.
- 2020: 139 days.
- 2019: 183 days.
- 2018: 206 days.
- 2017: 211 days.
- 2016: 243 days.
Government Initiatives to Combat Pollution
To tackle the issue, the Delhi government has introduced:
- Stringent dust management measures for construction and demolition activities.
- Robust controls on vehicular emissions.
- A 21-point Winter Action Plan, featuring the odd-even scheme and artificial rain.