Delhi's Air Quality Still a Worry Despite Lifting of GRAP 3 Curbs

Delhi air quality stays "very poor" as meteorological conditions ease pollution levels. The air quality in Delhi would remain in the "very poor" category till January 15 and would fluctuate between "poor" and "very poor" for the next six days, as forecast goes. The Air Quality Index in the capital city eased a bit after meteorologically favorable conditions-thus overnight rain had briefly relieved pollution levels temporarily. On January 12, the Commission for Air Quality Management eased stage 3 curbs under the Graded Response Action Plan as the latter has felt that the levels are facing a drop in pollution levels. Curbs that were implemented because of acute air quality situations during the earlier phases of this week are withdrawn, particularly with the improvement in weather. Current AQ Status On 13 January, Delhi AQI was 282 that falls in the "poor" category, though it is still much above the threshold limits. The latter varies from "good" 0-50, "satisfactory" 51-100, "moderate" 101-200, "poor" 201-300, "very poor" 301-400, and "severe" 401-500. The citizenry and particularly the vulnerable groups, namely children, old age people, and those with respiratory disorders, feel perturbed over this minimum improvement. This condition improved the AQI to "very poor" on January 12 as overnight rain showers help clean some of the pollutants up in the atmosphere. Still, haze and fog will dominate the scene with the worsening level of visibility particularly during dusk and nighttime. Weather Condition and Their Effect on AQ According to a report issued by All India Weather Forecast Bulletin, the temperature in the city has increased between 1-5 degree Celsius more than that in the previous 24 hours. "Very likely still cold day conditions in isolated pockets of the city on January 13.". As for the air quality, Delhi’s ventilation index, which helps measure the atmosphere's capacity to disperse pollutants, is expected to fluctuate over the next few days. The ventilation index is predicted to be 3000 m²/s on January 13, dipping to 1000 m²/s on January 14, and then rising again to 2500 m²/s on January 15. A lower ventilation index indicates reduced potential for pollution dispersion, leading to higher concentrations of pollutants in the air. The weather forecast 14 and 15 January are: 14 January: Delhi will be wind speed dead and quiet. During morning, wind speed will continue to be at lower levels below 4 km/hr. During afternoon hour, wind speed becomes as high as 6-8 km/hr. During evening hour, this same afternoon value reduces too. On that very night, the chances of the conditions of smog and shallow fog will be there. In consequence, poor air quality level and reduced visibility will be enhanced thereby. There is nothing out of the ordinary scheduled for 15 January. It is expected to be much like yesterday. Light winds will predominate in the morning with speeds below 4 km/h and increase a little more during the afternoon: 6-8 km/h and ease off again at dusk and at night. It also indicates minimal chances of light rain at various times, which would be conducive to removing atmospheric pollutants but come with mist or fog all too often. Long-range Outlook The Air Quality Early Warning System said that up to 15th January, Delhi air quality fell in the "very poor" category. From today to the next six days, the AQI would fluctuate between "poor" and "very poor," which could lead to possible health implications. An extended forecast would indicate that most parts of the year will be high in terms of pollution, especially during the colder months, when conditions in the atmosphere are not ideal for the dilution of pollutants. Smog, fog, and poor visibility may continue to affect and impair day-to-day activities such as transportation and outdoor events for that period. Health Risks and Precautions Long-term poor quality of air can have very serious health effects. Any individual with some pre-existing health issue, especially with respiratory and cardiovascular issues, must be advised to stay indoors as much as they can. Usually, people should mask up, stay away from the outer environment, and just purify the inner environment by making use of the purifiers. The Delhi government as well as the authorities check air quality levels regularly. The AQEWS is updated with current information regarding air quality and visibility. Vehicles in motion, along with the under-takings of constructions, could also be barred at times that tend to heighten the air pollution levels. Conclusion Delhi is passing through an important phase in terms of air quality, and it is believed to remain "very poor" till mid-January. Since the good weather comes with very brief breathing space due to return of smog and fog, people must remain precautious from health risks at least for another few days for AQI as it remains poor to very poor.