Much to the relief of citizens, Delhi witnessed a slight improvement in air quality on Tuesday, slipping into the "poor" category with an overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of 291, mainly due to improved wind conditions, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).On Monday, the AQI was recorded in the "very poor" category with a reading of 309.
Delhi government also seized the situation apparently to show this up to its political rival AAP claiming that despite geographical challenges, Parali burning in neighbouring states, construction activities, increased vehicle registrations, and the ‘Green Diwali’ celebrations, Delhi has seen better air quality compared to previous years through consistent and scientific interventions.According to data shared by the government, 219 inspections were carried out for illegal dumping sites, while 2,300 kilometres of road was mechanically swept.
The year-on-year comparison data reflects our sustained and coordinated pollution control strategy, Delhi's Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said.The Environment Department has issued directions to all agencies to further intensify dust mitigation efforts across the city. This includes enhanced misting and sprinkling operations, mechanical road cleaning, regular garbage collection, and tight checks on construction dust and open burning.Over 1,200 enforcement teams, comprising 443 teams against open waste burning, 378 teams for dust control and 578 teams for vehicular pollution control, are patrolling round the clock across wards and industrial areas to ensure prevention of open burning incidents.
“We are continuing large-scale deployment of 390 anti-smog guns, 280 water sprinklers, and 76 mechanical sweepers. Regular vehicular pollution checks are being conducted to control tailpipe emissions. All agencies are working in coordination to maintain this improving trend through the winter,” Sirsa said.He emphasised that the Delhi government’s Winter Action Plan is not limited to enforcement but focuses on long-term behavioural change and cleaner infrastructure.
Westerly winds with speeds of up to 15 kilometre per hour prevailed over the city in the past 24 hours, aiding the dispersal of pollutants, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said in its daily report.Since Diwali, the city's AQI has been hovering in between "poor" and "very poor" categories, while slipping to "severe" on some days.Air quality at 18 monitoring stations remained in the "very poor" category, with readings above 300. Alipur recorded the highest AQI at 377, followed by Anand Vihar at 366, as per CPCB's Sameer app.
Meanwhile, 14-year-old climate activist and founder of the Child Movement (School of Nature and Humanities), Licypriya Kangujam, posted on X tagging Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and urged her to "Declare Health Emergency in Delhi. Act now," while holding a placard reading, "We can't breathe, act now." At such levels, these pollutants can cause breathing discomfort, especially among people with lung or heart diseases, children, and the elderly.
The state-wise stubble burning events detected on Monday were 256 in Punjab, 23 in Haryana and 24 in UP, according to satellite data.
The air quality is very likely to be in the “very poor” category from Wednesday to Friday, as per Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi.
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