Delhi is currently experiencing a significant decline in air quality, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching alarming levels. As of November 2, real-time data from AQI.in indicated an AQI of 386 at 11:01 am, categorising it as ‘Severe’. Earlier, the AQI had peaked at 512 shortly after midnight, while the lowest reading in the previous 24 hours was 334. The neighbouring city of Noida reported an even higher AQI of 409, classified as ‘Hazardous’.

Particulate matter levels in the air are also concerning. In Delhi, PM2.5 concentration was recorded at 233 micrograms per cubic metre, while PM10 was at 291 micrograms per cubic metre. In Noida, PM2.5 levels reached 262 micrograms per cubic metre, with PM10 at 297 micrograms per cubic metre. These figures highlight the severity of the situation, although they differ from the Central Pollution Control Board’s (CPCB) 24-hour average AQI for Delhi, which was 261 on November 1, categorised as ‘Poor’. Several monitoring stations had already indicated ‘Very Poor’ air quality.

Significance of the November Fortnight

The first half of November poses particular challenges for the Delhi-NCR region due to the convergence of various pollution sources. The harvesting of paddy in Punjab and Haryana leads to an increase in stubble-burning activities, which contribute significantly to air pollution. On November 1, farm fires accounted for approximately 18.57 per cent of Delhi’s pollution, a notable increase from 5.33 per cent the previous day. Historically, the impact of agricultural fires tends to peak during the first week of November.

In addition to agricultural emissions, transport emissions continue to be a major contributor to pollution levels. Festival-related activities further exacerbate the situation, as increased traffic, celebrations, and the use of firecrackers add to the overall emissions, particularly under unfavourable atmospheric conditions. Weather factors such as low wind speeds and falling temperatures also play a crucial role in trapping pollutants in the region.

The Air Quality Early Warning System has predicted that air quality may worsen to the ‘Very Poor’ category by November 4, with conditions likely to fluctuate between ‘Poor’ and ‘Very Poor’ over the following days. This forecast raises concerns about the potential health impacts on residents due to prolonged exposure to high levels of fine particulate matter.

Authorities Implement Precautionary Measures

In response to the deteriorating air quality, the Commission for Air Quality Management has initiated stricter pollution control measures. A new directive has mandated that government and private offices in Delhi and six NCR districts operate with only 50 per cent of staff physically present from November 5 to 20, with the remainder working from home. This measure aims to reduce the number of vehicles on the road and limit emissions.

Additionally, restrictions on dust-generating construction and demolition activities have been enforced during this period. These measures complement the Stage-I restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan, which were implemented on October 21. Vehicle entry restrictions have also been tightened, particularly affecting non-BS-VI compliant vehicles registered outside Delhi from November 1.

As the most polluted part of the season commences, the effectiveness of these preventive measures will be closely monitored. For residents, the concern extends beyond temporary visibility issues to the long-term health risks associated with high concentrations of fine particulate matter that can penetrate deep into the lungs. The onset of Delhi’s winter pollution season marks a critical period, and the next fortnight could significantly influence the severity of the air quality crisis in the capital this year.

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