Delhi`s AQI remains `moderate` at 83, shows marginal improvement from Tuesday
According to the latest reports, the air quality in New Delhi, the national capital, remained within the “moderate” category, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 83 on Wednesday. This reading shows a slight improvement from the previous day’s figure of 89, indicating a relatively stable air quality situation.
During a conversation with news agency ANI, Shri Krishna, a resident of Delhi’s Old Rajinder Nagar, shared his experience of the prevailing conditions. While out for a morning stroll at Kartavya Path, he expressed some difficulties in breathing, which he attributed to the recent shift in the city’s weather patterns.
Although not a weather expert, he speculated that the presence of suspended particles in the air might be contributing to the current situation. This anecdotal account highlights the growing concerns and awareness among Delhi residents regarding the potential impact of pollution and weather changes on their daily lives.
In continuation of the account, Shri Krishna emphasized the noticeable chill in the air within the national capital, signaling a gradual drop in temperatures. He expressed concerns that the combination of the cooling weather and prevailing pollution levels could potentially lead to a further deterioration of air quality in the coming days.
Contrastingly, his wife, Sadhna, downplayed the immediate concerns related to pollution, noting that despite residing in an area known for higher pollution levels, the current air quality seemed comparatively better than their usual experience. This contrasting viewpoint underscores the diverse perspectives and experiences within different localities of the city.
In a related context, Anil Gupta, an expert member of the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) Board, highlighted that a recent meeting at the Secretariat did not specifically address concerns related to a potential decline in air quality or pollution levels. This omission suggests a need for increased focus and collaboration among relevant stakeholders to effectively address and monitor the various factors impacting Delhi’s air quality, especially during the transitional period as temperatures begin to decrease.
The information shared highlights the periodic nature of the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) meetings, which are typically convened every three months in accordance with established regulations. Notably, the most recent meeting was conducted in January 2023. During the recent meeting, the agenda primarily revolved around reviewing the action taken report and addressing specific technical matters from the previous session. However, the critical issues pertaining to Delhi’s air pollution and the state of the Yamuna River were notably absent from the meeting’s formal discussions.
Expressing concern over the omission, Anil Gupta underscored the importance of incorporating comprehensive deliberations on the pressing challenges of air pollution and the deteriorating condition of the Yamuna River in future DPCC meetings. He emphasized the necessity for proactive discussions and concerted efforts aimed at developing effective strategies to mitigate the impact of pollution on the environment and public health. This call for greater attention to these crucial environmental concerns suggests the need for a more comprehensive and proactive approach to tackling the pressing issues surrounding Delhi’s air quality and the conservation of the Yamuna River.
In a promising development, Anil Gupta highlighted the assurance provided by the DPCC chairman, Ashwini Kumar, regarding the inclusion of pollution-related issues in the agenda for upcoming panel meetings. This commitment signifies a positive step towards prioritizing environmental concerns and fostering active discussions on critical matters such as air pollution and the condition of the Yamuna River within the DPCC framework.
Despite the initial reluctance observed during the recent meeting, Gupta emphasized the collective efforts of the three expert members among the 16-member DPCC board, all of whom raised pertinent questions regarding pollution. However, the reluctance of the officials to engage in a comprehensive discussion on the matter during the meeting highlights the need for increased proactive engagement and a collaborative approach among all stakeholders to effectively address and mitigate the growing environmental challenges faced by the city.
The proactive engagement and collaboration among DPCC members, officials, and relevant stakeholders will be instrumental in formulating and implementing robust strategies to combat pollution and ensure the sustainable preservation of Delhi’s environmental resources, including the vital Yamuna River.
