Tag: Delhi AQI

How To Create a Safe Air Haven Indoors

Here’s How A Delhi-NCR Resident Can Create a Safe Air Haven Indoors

By LokMarg

Dr Sachet Dawar, Faculty of Medical Respiratory of Noida International Institute of Medical Sciences College, NIIMS, shares tips to improve indoor air quality as Delhi’s AQI worsens:

Delhi has been grappling with the issue of poor air quality for years, especially in the winter months when the situation worsens due to several factors: crop burning in neighbouring states, industrial emissions, construction dust, and vehicle pollution. Recently, I have noticed that Delhi’s (Air Quality Index) AQI is hitting hazardous levels day by day which is causing certain health conditions including breathing issues, eye irritation, and wheezing among the residents from the prolonged exposure to the toxic air.

To improve indoor air quality and minimise the negative impact of outdoor pollution, residents can take several essential and effective measures

Here’s what I have found effective:

Installation of Air Purifiers: The installation of air purifiers with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) effectively filters out pollutants, allergens, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Installing air purifiers in high-use areas such as the living room and bedroom is one of the most beneficial ways to improve the air quality inside the house.

Close Windows and Doors During High AQI Hours: Fresh and clean air ventilation is generally recommended in indoor spaces to avoid suffocation. Avoid opening windows in the early morning and evening as these are the high AQI hours. The ideal time for clean circulation can be the time when air quality is less toxic.

ALSO READ: ‘I Left Delhi To Protect My Family From Chronic Illness’

Reduce Indoor Pollutant Sources: Indoor pollutant sources including smoking, burning candles, or cooking with open flames release harmful pollutants like carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide into the air. These pollutants trigger various health concerns including respiratory issues, sinusitis, and other allergic reactions. Avoiding indoor smoking and artificial fragrances while using electric or induction appliances and minimal-odour cleaning products can be beneficial to maintaining a healthy environment.

Maintain Cleanliness: One of the key contributors to improving air quality indoors is a clean home. It is essential to keep the dust particles and allergens away as they lead to the degradation of air quality inside the home. Vacuuming with a high-efficiency air filter and regular cleaning can be beneficial to prevent dust particles, pollutants, and allergens from settling on the surface.

Include Indoor Plants: Certain plants are known as air purifiers as they can minimise the volatile organic compounds present in the air. Indoor plants including areca palm, aloe vera, spider plant, snake plant, and peace lily improve the air quality indoors by increasing oxygen levels and decreasing carbon dioxide levels.

Establish a “Clean Zone”: It can be a beneficial step to designate an area as a “clear zone” as it can decrease the exposure to toxic air. The ‘clean zone” should be installed with a high-quality air purifier and have a clean atmosphere with fewer allergens and dust particles. Ensure that this area or room is smoke-free.

Maintain Humidity Levels: Cold and dry air maximise the risk of respiratory issues and dry eyes, nose, and throat. To maintain an ideal humidity level, incorporating a humidifier can prevent the associated health implications. Additionally, ensure the regular cleanliness of the humidifier to avoid the growth of certain bacteria and mould.

See, Delhi’s air quality index has been fluctuating constantly, and I believe adopting these strategies can make a difference in minimising the impact of poor air quality in your homes. It’s vital, especially during this pollution crisis, to create a safe, healthy, and toxin-free indoor environment to protect against the health challenges that come with prolonged exposure to hazardous air.

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As told to Mamta Sharma

Delhi AQI

Air Quality In Delhi Remains Poor

By LokMarg

The air quality in the National Capital continued to remaim in ‘poor’ category on Thursday.

The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of Delhi, as per SAFAR-India (System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research), was recorded at 276 on Thursday morning.

On Wednesday, the AQI in the national capital, as per the data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), was in the ‘poor’ category at 286.

However, AQI in some areas of Delhi was recorded in the ‘very poor’ category on Thursday morning. As per the data from CPCB, the AQI at Anand Vihar stood at 348, in the ITO at 313, and in the Ashok Vihar area at 323 on Thursday at 8:00 a.m.

A cyclist from the city, Dev, while speaking to ANI, said, “The pollution level seems to be high now. Breathing gets difficult, visibility gets impacted and there is also a headache sometimes.”

Earlier, the AQI across Delhi improved from ‘very poor’ on Tuesday to ‘poor’ on Wednesday morning. As per the data from CPCB, the AQI at Anand Vihar stood at 291, in the IGI airport area at 279, in the ITO at 252, and in the Narela area at 283 on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted no rainfall in the National Capital till December 11. There will be clear skies with shallow to moderate fog in the morning across the city.

Delhi has been experiencing air quality in the range of ‘severe’ to ‘very poor’ over the last few weeks.

Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai said last week that Grap-3 has been lifted in the national capital but the government is trying to ensure that Grap-1 and 2 are strictly implemented.

“Due to the change in weather during the last two days, there has been a decline in pollution. The Commission for Air Quality Management has lifted the restrictions of Grap-3. The ban on BS-3 petrol and BS-4 diesel vehicles and the ban on construction demolition have been lifted,” Gopal Rai said.

“GRAP 3 is imposed when AQI is 400, but it continued despite low AQI because fluctuations were visible in AQI after Diwali. If the wind speed slows down, AQI may increase again, hence GRAP-1 and GRAP-2 should be strictly implemented. For this, directions are being given to all the departments again,” he added.

The air quality index from 0 to 100 is considered ‘good’, 100 to 200 ‘moderate’, 200 to 300 ‘poor’, 300 to 400 ‘very poor’ and from 400 to 500 or above ‘severe’. (ANI)

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Delhi aqi

Air Quality In Delhi Remains Severe For 3rd Day On Trot

By LokMarg

The overall air quality in Delhi continued to remain in the ‘severe’ category for the third straight day on Saturday morning, as per the SAFAR-India.

According to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR)-India, the overall air quality in the national capital Delhi (Overall) is in the ‘severe’ category with Air Quality Index (AQI) of 504.

The latest ANI drone camera footage from the ITO area showed a layer of haze covering the city.

In the Indira Gandhi International Airport (T3) the AQI was recorded 571.

Delhi’s Dhirpur on Saturday recorded an AQI of 542.

The increasing pollution in the city has escalated concern among the residents, who claimed that they are having difficulty breathing. “Since 3-4 days, pollution is very high. Delhi govt must take some initiative…now the situation is such that we have to wear masks…we are having difficulty in breathing,” said Krishan Kant, a resident of Delhi.

Meanwhile, similar situation was recorded in Nodia as AQI plunged to the ‘severe’ category recording 576. In Noida Sector-116 AQI stands at 426 and in Noida Sector 62 at 428 as per the Central Pollution Control Board.

Speaking to ANI, Abhay Kumar a Noida resident said, “Pollution level has increased. It feels like getting choked…The air feels heavy.”

Gurugram recorded an AQI of 512 keeping the air quality under the ‘severe’ category.

Delhi had the highest PM (Particulate Matter) 2.5 levels in the country in the month of October and has been experiencing a consistent upward trend since 2021, according to the Respirer Report.

As the Air Quality Index (AQI) in several parts of Delhi-NCR is reeling under the ‘severe’ category, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Friday sought responses from the Chief Secretaries of the affected states and directed to take immediate remedial action and submit the action taken report before the Tribunal.

NGT in a statement said that immediate action is required for the prevention and control of air pollution in these cities so as to ensure better air quality to the residents.

“In view of the NGT seeks response of Chief Secretaries of the States where the cities AQI has dipped to severe, very poor and poor, are directed to take immediate remedial action and submit action taken report before the Tribunal,” added the statement. (ANI)

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Delhi AQI

Delhi AQI Better Since Afternoon, Likely To Improve Further: Panel

By LokMarg

As the Delhi air turned severe, leading to a temporary closure of schools and scores gasping for breath, the average Air Quality Index (AQI) in the national capital clocked 468 on Friday, according to the 4 pm AQI bulletin of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

The sub-committee of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), for the operationalisation of GRAP (Graded Response Action Plan), took due cognisance of the declining air quality in the national capital and the weather forecast made available by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) for the next few days.

The sub-committee noted that the average AQI in the national capital showed a declining trend since the afternoon after the enforcement of the GRAP measures.

At 12 noon, the average AQI of Delhi clocked 475 which improved to 468 at 4 pm and further to 456 at 5 pm on Friday.

The forecast from IITM and IMD also indicated a further improvement in the AQI over the next few days.

The sub-committee noted further that mitigation measures under GRAP Stage-III were implemented on Thursday late evening and it was reasonable that it would take more time for its impact to be felt on the average AQI.

The actions are expected to yield positive results over the next few days, it noted.

After comprehensively reviewing the overall air quality scenario and relevant aspects, the sub-committee unanimously decided to track the situation for a day or more before invoking more stringent disruptive actions under Stage-IV of GRAP.

The ongoing actions implemented under Stage-I, Stage-II and Stage-III of GRAP shall continue for the present, the sub-committee stated, adding that it was keeping a close watch on the situation for further action.

Along with Delhi, the air quality in cities in the NCR including Bhiwandi, Faridabad, Fatehabad, Ghaziabad, Greater Noida, Hisar, Jind, Noida, Rohtak, and Sonipat were also recorded in the ‘Severe’ category.

Stage III of the GRAP is implemented when the AQI hits severe in the range of 401-450. As part of its response to combat pollution, the government can impose strict restrictions on BS III petrol and BS IV diesel four-wheelers in certain areas and may suspend physical classes in schools for primary-grade children up to Class 5.

The Delhi government has suspended classes in primary schools as the air quality in the national capital turned severe. (ANI)

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Amid Biting Cold In Capital

Amid Biting Cold, Rickshaw Pullers, Hawkers Forced To Work For Survival In Capital

By LokMarg

Despite the biting cold affecting the national capital, this December, not everyone is very fortunate to have a hot coffee and a warm bed. There are certain sections that are compelled to work in the open during this chilling season as the mercury dips.

After a brief respite, severe cold conditions returned to the national capital on Saturday, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) recorded 10 degrees celsius at the Safdarjung station in Delhi.
In such circumstances on Delhi’s streets, we can see many people putting efforts to connect the ends either by selling tea or pulling rickshaws. Moreover, hawkers, sweepers, and many other professionals have also gotten no respite from the cold.

A tea seller in Delhi told ANI that he opens his shop daily as several other people come to his shop early in the morning.

“I have to open the tea stall at 4 am as there are many people, especially auto drivers, rickshaw pullers, and hawkers, come here to my shop to start their day with the tea from my shop,” said the tea shop owner Ramesh Sharma.

A sweeper Lalit who sweeps the street near Civil Lines said “I am an MCD worker, I have to do work even if it is cold or raining before Delhi wakes up because it’s my job. I come here at 4 and sweep the street before the traffic starts to run, else it would become very challenging.”

Meanwhile, one of the rickshaw pullers here, Basir Khan said that they are compelled to work in such conditions as he has to feed the family.

“People like us have to work every day under compulsion if we start being affected by the cold waves or rain, how will our families survive and how will my children study? Everything would turn difficult,” rickshaw puller Basir Khan said.

Another rickshaw puller, who is also a migrant worker from Bihar, Dashrath Sahni, expressed his feelings and said that if affected by weather, he would not be able to pay the rent of the rickshaw to its owner.

According to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR), New Delhi’s Lodhi Road experienced ‘Very Poor’ air quality this morning with AQI recorded at 369.

The India Meteorological Department earlier predicted that cold wave conditions would likely prevail from December 31 and January 1 over Haryana, Chandigarh, and New Delhi.

In a tweet on December 28, IMD said, “Reduction in dense fog and cold day conditions over northwest India during next 48 hours. A fresh spell of dense fog and cold wave likely to commence over northwest India from 31st December 2022”. (ANI)

Read More: http://13.232.95.176

Air Quality In NCR

Delhi Suffers Another ‘Very Poor’ Air Day With 337 AQI

By LokMarg

Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded on Tuesday at 337 by the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR).

According to the SAFAR, Delhi’s air quality was recorded in the ‘very poor’ category on Tuesday.
Earlier on Monday, the national capital woke up to smog with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 340 by SAFAR.

The Air Quality Index from 0 to 100 is considered as good, while from 100 to 200 it is moderate, from 200 to 300 it is poor, and from 300 to 400 it is said to be very poor and from 400 to 500 or above it is considered as severe.

Earlier on Sunday, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), a Union government panel recommending steps to control air pollution in the national capital, announced a temporary ban on construction and demolition activities in Delhi-NCR as part of its Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). The announcement came after the air quality in Delhi and the national capital region breached the ‘severe’ category.

The CAQM, which on Sunday chaired a meeting to review the air quality in Delhi-NCR, put out a release saying, “As the AQI in Delhi has slipped into ‘severe’ category, the sub-committee had decided that all actions, as envisaged under Stage III of the GRAP, be implemented in right earnest by all the agencies concerned, with immediate effect in the NCR, in addition to all action under Stage I and Stage II of the GRAP.”

The panel had further observed that the air quality saw a further deterioration over the last 24 hours, with Delhi’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) at 407 on December 4, according to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

In its order, the CAQM said it temporarily banned construction activities, “with the exception of Metro Rail services, including stations; airport and inter-state bus terminals; railway services/stations; national security/defence-related activities/ projects of national importance; hospitals/healthcare facilities; linear public projects such as highways, roads, flyovers, overbridges, power transmission, pipelines; sanitation projects like sewage treatment plants and water supply projects; ancillary activities specific to and supplementing above categories of projects”.

Milk and dairy units and those involved in the manufacturing of life-saving medical equipment, drugs, and medicines, were also exempted from the restrictions stipulated in the CAQM order. (ANI)

Read More: http://13.232.95.176/

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra

Air Pollution Causing More Harm Than Tobacco Smoke: Ex-AIIMS Director

By LokMarg

Air pollution in India’s national capital and NCR region has been affecting the organs of the people, said former Director of AIIMS, Delhi Dr Randeep Guleria.

Dr Guleria, who is also HOD of the Department of Pulmonary Medicine and sleep disorders while speaking to ANI said, “it is causing more disability than even tobacco smoke. We talk a lot about smoking, but not about using tobacco. But now the burden of disability has shifted more towards air pollution and even that is causing a big problem than as compared to smoking.”
“So unfortunately the AQI is at severe range and we’ve seen that every year. There have been times when it went up to 900 in the last few years. The concern of course, is that it has a huge health impact. A paper published in 2017, suggested that in India every year, more than 1.24 million people die because of air pollution. So it’s huge mortality that we see it causes huge disability. Many people have a problem,” Dr Guleria further explained.

With the rise in air pollution people with asthmatic or bronchitis problems even shift to coastal areas to protect themselves from pollution. Dr Guleria said, “Many of our patients leave Delhi and go to the south or to the coastal areas, because they have worsening of the underlying COPD and asthma, if they stay in Delhi and have to be on oxygen or have to come repeatedly to the emergency.”

“The studies that we have been doing over the last few years have also shown that in children and adults, if you start looking at emergency room visits, there is a dramatic increase in emergency room visits for respiratory problems on day one and continuing for six days whenever AQI is in the poor or very poor or severe range in that area. So I think we have to understand that air pollution causes acute problems. It’s also causing long-term problems,” he said.

The doctor further added that there is data which suggests that heart disease strokes, low respiratory infections, COPD, or air pollution is causing more disability than even tobacco smoke.

Dr Guleria further emphasised that some practical solution is required. “So I think there is a need for everyone, policymakers, scientists, general public to come together to find a sustainable practical solution to the problem,” he said.

He further advised children and the elderly population as a precaution to avoid going outside, exercise and must wear an N95 mask.

“Children and elderly are at high risk of those who have underlying heart and lung disease, we usually advise that they should not go out in areas where AQI is high, we are able to monitor an AQI now in all areas, so they should look at the quality index in that area and avoid going out early in the morning or late in the evening because there tends to be more ground level pollution during this time,” he said.

Dr Guleria further added that when the sun is out and it’s a little hot because of the hot air, the pollution tends to rise up and if you have to go, you can go out during that time. One should wear a mask, especially an N95 mask that does help to some extent it’s not 100 per cent solution, but that can also be done and during times when there are high levels of air pollution exercise outside could also be avoided.” (ANI)