Delhi: Despite steps, thick smog layer covers city; worst yet to come

The national Capital woke up to a thick layer of smog on Monday, clocking 'very poor' on the air quality index (AQI). The air quality has remained in this category since the onset of winter. It is, in fact, expected to worsen over the coming days, with an increase in moisture in the winds.

On Monday, the AQI was recorded at 316, considered 'hazardous' even for healthy adults. The prescribed standard for healthy air quality is 60. Anand Vihar in east Delhi recorded 'hazardous' air quality at 319.

In view of the air quality remaining continuously 'very poor', the Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA) — a Supreme Court-mandated authority to monitor air quality in Delhi-NCR — has directed the Transport Department and the civic bodies to strengthen the crackdown on vehicular emissions and garbage burning.

"We held a meeting with civic bodies members recently, wherein they were directed to intensify the crackdown on garbage burning. 

A number of instances have been reported from the Yamuna floodplains and the shanties located alongside the banks. The monitoring has to be intensified to cut down the emissions," a senior official said.

Besides, a number of out-of-state diesel-run buses coming to the city on a daily basis have been found to be not having valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates, he added. Vehicular emissions count for over 20 per cent of the city pollution. "Theses buses have been found to be adding to emissions. The Transport Department has been directed to intensify its drive against such vehicles," the official added.

As part of its drive since October, the Transport Department has impounded over 1,000 out-of-state buses coming to the Kashmere Gate inter-state bus terminal (ISBT) .

Meanwhile, the AQI in NCR towns, including Noida and Ghaziabad, stood at 'very poor' at 264.77 and 367, respectively. The air quality is measured against PM 2.5 levels — the most prominent pollutant in Delhi air. The figures are measured in microgram per cubic meters.

LOOPHOLES

• A number of out-of-state diesel-run buses coming to the city on a daily basis have been found to be not having valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates. Vehicular emissions count for over 20 per cent of the city pollution. 

• As part of its drive since October, the Transport Department has impounded over 1,000 out-of-state buses coming to the Kashmere Gate inter-state bus terminal (ISBT) 

FATAL STATS

AQI very poor

Delhi 319

Ghaziabad 367

Noida 264.77