Delhi Sees Slightly Better Air Quality After A Week Of Severe Pollution But...

Delhi: After a week of severe pollution, Delhi has seen a slight improvement in its air quality. According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the capital has finally dropped below the 350 mark after seven days. However, the city's air remains in the 'very poor' category, indicating that relief from toxic air is still a distant prospect.

Slight Improvement but Air Remains HazardousOver the past week, Delhi's air quality had severely deteriorated, but as of Sunday, the AQI showed a minor drop to 334. Experts suggest that this slight improvement is due to an increase in wind speed and slightly warmer weather conditions. Despite this, the city's air remains suffocating. On Sunday evening, the level of PM10 reached 231 micrograms per cubic metre, while PM2.5 was recorded at 131 micrograms per cubic metre—significantly higher than the safe limits, as per Hindustan report. No Immediate Relief in Sight, Air Quality Likely to Remain PoorWhile the increase in wind speed has brought some improvement, forecasts suggest that Delhi's residents will continue to breathe toxic air. According to the Air Quality Early Warning System, wind speeds are expected to remain below 10 kmph over the next three to four days, keeping the AQI firmly in the 'very poor' category. This indicates that there is little hope for significant improvement in air quality in the coming days. Political Blame Game: Manish Sisodia Criticises Central GovernmentFormer Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi, Manish Sisodia, on Sunday criticised the central government for allegedly politicising the issue of pollution. He stated, "The Delhi and Punjab governments are making sincere efforts to reduce pollution, but the BJP-led central government is merely engaging in politics over the issue."Sisodia further added that, like every year, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government has implemented measures to control pollution. According to him, reports from media and authorities indicate a significant reduction in stubble burning incidents in Punjab this year. He added, "The BJP neither manages Delhi's law and order properly nor contributes effectively to controlling pollution."Despite the slight improvement in Delhi's air quality, the pollution levels remain alarmingly high. With no significant relief expected in the near future, the city's residents will have to continue grappling with hazardous air.