In the next three days, the capital’s air quality index may deteriorate to a “poor” level. According to data from the Central Pollution Control Commission, Delhi’s air quality on Sunday was still in the “medium” category, with an AQI of 168.

In the coming days, increased farm fires (stubble burning) and local factors may worsen Delhi’s air quality. “The PM 2.5 in the Indian capital has begun to show an upward trend. The average daily PM 2.5 level in the past three days has exceeded the allowable limit of 60ug/m3,” The Times of India quoted project assistant LS Kurinji as saying that the Energy, Environment and Water Commission said.

According to urban emissions, open fires, traffic emissions, pollution from industries and power plants are the main causes of Delhi’s pollution. There has also been an increase in the burning of straw by farmers in Punjab and Haryana. Between September 1 and October 10, satellites tracked 676 and 193 farm fires in Punjab and Haryana, respectively.

According to reports, the main locations for burning straw are Amritsar, Tarntaran and Patiala in Punjab, and Kurukshetra, Kanal and Ambala in Haryana. As the weather conditions change in the coming weeks, local and regional factors will cause the air quality in Delhi to deteriorate. “This is necessary. The Delhi government should use air quality forecasts and roll out Gradation Response Action Plan (GRAP) measures in advance to prevent unhealthy air conditions,” the report further quoted Kuringi as saying.

At the same time, the Ministry of Earth Sciences’ Air Quality and Weather and Forecast and Research System (SAFAR) stated that “Delhi’s air quality index belongs to the medium category. Under dry conditions, PM10 is the upwind fire emission, as well as local and regional dust. With Under such dry conditions, both fire emissions and dust will reduce the AQI will be reduced to very poor in the next 3 days.”

News Source : Timesnownews.com