Delhi’s Air Quality Plummets: Farm Fires and Firecrackers Trigger 100-Point AQI Surge
Delhi’s air quality took a severe downturn on Thursday, November 2, 2023, when the Air Quality Index (AQI) surged by over 100 points. The AQI reached 311, categorizing it as “very poor.” This spike was attributed to a combination of smoke from farm fires in Punjab and the use of firecrackers during the Gurpurab celebrations.
Key Contributors to Pollution
The primary pollutant detected was PM 2.5, which is fine particulate matter emanating from various combustion sources. This marks a clear shift from the previous day’s mix of pollutants, revealing the extent of pollution caused by burning activities.
Farm Fires and Firecracker Usage
- Stubble burning in neighboring states contributed approximately 9.48% to PM 2.5 levels on Thursday.
- Predictions indicate that this contribution might rise to 38% by Friday due to ongoing weather conditions.
- On Wednesday night, the illegal bursting of firecrackers added to local emissions, worsening air quality.
Winter Pollution Crisis
Delhi faces its annual winter pollution crisis when several factors converge. Calm winds, declining temperatures, and smoke from agricultural fires trap pollutants close to the ground, creating a public health emergency. Historical patterns show that stubble burning typically peaks during the first week of November, with single-day contributions to pollution varying widely from year to year.
Data Insights and Monitoring Challenges
Despite the alarming figures, recent analyses suggest that official AQI readings may not fully represent actual air quality. Out of 39 active air quality monitoring stations in the city, 29 reported very poor air quality. Concerns have been raised about missing data and algorithmic inconsistencies affecting pollution measurements.
| AQI Classification | Value |
|---|---|
| Good | 0-50 |
| Satisfactory | 51-100 |
| Moderate | 101-200 |
| Poor | 201-300 |
| Very Poor | 301-400 |
| Severe | Above 400 |
Current and Future Forecasts
The current period has seen a notable rise in pollution levels, affecting health and quality of life for residents. As the weekend approaches, the expected stubble burning contribution is likely to decrease to around 25.3% on Saturday and slightly increase to 31.76% on Sunday due to varying wind patterns.
Delhi typically grapples with its worst air quality during November, following a convergence of local and regional pollution sources. This year, the impacts of fires and emissions, compounded by meteorological conditions, are becoming increasingly evident.
