Delhi, Mumbai Grapple With Soaring Air Pollution Levels

As air pollution continues to plague the national capital, Delhiites are struggling to breathe due to the worsening air quality, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching a staggering 373 as of 9 am on Wednesday. This marks the fifth consecutive day of 'very poor' air quality, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

The entire Delhi-NCR region is engulfed in haze, with the 24-hour average AQI hitting 350, the highest this season, surpassing the previous figures of 347 and 325 on Monday and Sunday, respectively. Specific areas within Delhi are witnessing severe pollution, with alarming AQI readings. Wazirpur recorded an exceptionally high AQI of 422, while Rohini and Anand Vihar registered levels of 405 and 424, all falling under the 'very poor' category as per CPCB data.

According to SAFAR-India, Delhi's overall AQI remained at 336 on Wednesday, staying within the 'Very Poor' category. Prominent locations such as Delhi University, Terminal 3 of Delhi airport, Noida, IIT Delhi, and Gurugram reported AQI levels ranging from 329 to 391, all categorized as 'very poor.' Despite a reduction in farm fires in Punjab, the Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi predicts that the 'very poor' air quality is expected to persist until November 3, with a high likelihood of continuation for the next six days.

In response to the escalating air pollution crisis in Delhi, Environment Minister Gopal Rai announced a significant step to combat the issue. Effective November 1, diesel buses coming from other states will be prohibited from entering Delhi-NCR. Rai emphasized the importance of the next 15 days, stating that the Delhi government is actively implementing its winter action plan to address the pressing issue. The move to transition diesel buses from outside Delhi-NCR to cleaner fuels is expected to make a substantial contribution to the fight against pollution.

Mumbai has also seen a significant deterioration in its air quality, although it remains in the 'moderate' category with an overall AQI of 132. However, varying pollution levels have been recorded in different areas of the city. Malad and Worli reported AQI values of 198 and 199, indicating a notable drop in air quality.

Surprisingly, some areas such as Andheri, Bhandup, and Borivali enjoyed 'satisfactory' air quality, providing a respite for residents in these regions.

The worsening air quality in Mumbai has prompted the Bombay High Court to take suo motu cognizance of the situation. The court also addressed concerns raised in a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by residents Amar Tike, Anand Jha, and Sanjay Surve, urging the Maharashtra government and BMC to implement immediate measures to curb air pollution. The petitioners emphasized the need to increase green cover by planting fast-growing trees in public spaces.

Both Delhi and Mumbai are grappling with deteriorating air quality, leading to government actions and court interventions to combat the pressing issue.