Air pollution in Delhi is likely to remain on the higher side, as per scientists at System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR). The world’s most polluted city continues to reel under extremely hazardous levels of air pollution.
Only a good spell of rain can bring significant relief from air pollution in Delhi. Smoggy days are approaching and escalated weather activity in the hills of North India will only worsen the situation in Delhi-NCR region.
As of November 24, particulate matter (PM) levels in the city had reached 229 microgram per cubic meter. Last year, on the same day, these levels were recorded at 145 mg per cubic meter. As more moisture enters Delhi’s air, hazy conditions will intensify. Air pollution in Delhi is likely to remain high till November 27.
As rain and snowfall activity in the hills of North India gains momentum, fog formation will combine with suspended pollutants to give birth to alarming pollution levels. Respiratory problems across Delhi-NCR, which are already on the rise, will aggravate further. Doctors recommend the usage of air pollution masks and early morning walks are also a strict no.
The forecast for Delhi isn’t too encouraging either. No rainfall activity is likely in Delhi-NCR over the next few days. It is common knowledge that a moderate to good spell of rain helps clean up the city’s air. But with no rain on the radar, air pollution in Delhi is likely to make life difficult in the region.
Car-free days, shutting down schools, and other measures do little bring about a significant change in Delhi’s air quality. The government and citizens must give special focus to other effective measures like promoting public transport, strict action against burning of garbage in the region, and adoption of cleaner fuels. Before air pollution in Delhi does more irreversible damage to the city and its people, a full-scale action plan must be implemented.
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