Shashi Tharoor Criticizes Delhi Air Pollution with ‘Injurious to Health’ Remark
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has recently expressed concerns about the deteriorating air quality in Delhi-NCR. He highlighted this issue through a social media post dating back six years, emphasizing its ongoing relevance.
Tharoor’s Commentary on Delhi Air Pollution
Tharoor shared an image containing a provocative message regarding the city’s pollution levels. The image questioned how long individuals would prioritize smoking over confronting the air quality issues in Delhi-NCR. He remarked, “Six years of indifference later, this post remains sadly, frustratingly relevant still…”
Current Air Quality Status
Since the celebration of Diwali, Delhi’s air quality has been consistently poor to very poor, with periods of severe levels. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported an overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of 311. As per the Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi, this unhealthy trend is expected to persist for the coming days.
- Of the 38 monitoring stations across the city, 26 reported ‘very poor’ air quality.
- Bawana was identified as the most polluted area with an AQI of 366.
- Jahangirpuri followed closely with an AQI of 348.
AQI Classification by CPCB
The CPCB categorizes air quality based on the following AQI ranges:
| AQI Range | Air Quality Status |
|---|---|
| 0-50 | Good |
| 51-100 | Satisfactory |
| 101-200 | Moderate |
| 201-300 | Poor |
| 301-400 | Very Poor |
| 401-500 | Severe |
Meteorological Conditions in Delhi
Amid declining temperatures, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported a minimum temperature of 12.7 degrees Celsius, which is 1.6 degrees below normal for this time of year. At 8:30 am, relative humidity was noted at 67 percent. The maximum anticipated temperature for the day is around 26 degrees Celsius, and a layer of shallow fog is expected to reduce visibility in various areas of the city.
As residents experience these alarming air quality levels, the implications for public health have become increasingly significant. Continued advocacy and awareness are crucial in addressing the air pollution crisis affecting millions in the region.
