Delhi air quality to worsen, remain in 'very poor' category till October 24

Delhi's air quality is expected to remain in the 'very poor' category from October 22 to 24 due to calm winds and stubble burning.

In Short

• No improvement in air quality expected during this period
• One major contributor to pollution is calm wind conditions
• Air quality may worsen further due to unfavourable weather conditions

As winter approaches, Delhi is expected to experience a significant decline in air quality, projected to remain in the 'Very Poor' category from October 22 to October 24. According to environmental forecasts, there will be no improvement during this period, and conditions may worsen due to unfavourable meteorological factors.

One major contributor to the pollution is the calm wind conditions observed at night, which impede the dispersal of pollutants. The expected wind patterns, primarily from the Southeast and Northeast, will be mild, with speeds ranging from 6 to 14 km/h under clear skies. Notably, the wind is expected to be especially calm on the morning of October 23, leading to stagnation and higher concentrations of air pollutants.

Compounding these adverse conditions are emissions from stubble burning in neighbouring states and waste burning within Delhi itself. These emissions are likely to further deteriorate air quality, exacerbating an already critical situation.

Considering the alarming air quality levels in Delhi-NCR, authorities have decided to implement Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) announced that it will invoke restrictions, including a ban on diesel generators and construction activities in the capital.

GRAP is a set of emergency protocols designed to combat air pollution when it reaches hazardous levels. Stage II of GRAP is activated when the Air Quality Index (AQI) falls into the 'Very Poor' category, which ranges from 301 to 400.