Delhi's air-quality slips to 'very poor' at AQI of 312
Delhi's air quality today dipped to 'very poor' barely two days after staying in the 'poor' category. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) recorded an overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of Delhi at 312 at 11:00 am. An AQI between 0-50 is considered 'good', 51-100 'satisfactory', 101-200 'moderate', 201-300 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', and 401-500 'severe'. Here's more.
Air quality improved on Monday, but experts predict more deterioration
The air quality in the capital had shown signs of improvement on Monday as it moved from 'very poor' to 'poor' category, but experts said it could deteriorate in the coming days due to toxic air coming out of the blazing fire at Bhalswa landfill site. A Delhi Fire Service official said firefighting was still on at the garbage dump site.
Continuous discharge of methane from landfill erupts fire randomly: Official
According to the official, due to continuous discharge of methane gas from the landfill, fire erupts randomly. "Two fire tenders are currently working on containing the fire at the site," he said. Fire has been raging at the massive dump site since October 20. However, by yesterday evening, the flames were somewhat brought under control and parts of the landfill smoldered, DFS officials said.
NDMC announced measures for long-term and short-term remediation of site
On Sunday, the AQI had oscillated between 'poor' and 'very poor' categories. On Saturday, a haze had engulfed Delhi and the worst air quality of this season was recorded at 324. North Delhi Mayor, Adesh Gupta, and NDMC Commissioner, Madhup Vyas, had visited Bhalswa landfill site yesterday and NDMC had announced a slew of measures, both long-term and short-term for remediation of the site.
SC-appointed authority held meeting with Punjab, Haryana, Delhi officials
The Supreme Court-appointed Environment Protection Control Authority (EPCA) on Friday had held a meeting with officials of Punjab, Haryana and the Delhi governments to discuss the pollution situation in the national capital. The stubble burning by Punjab, Haryana farmers is also deteriorating Delhi's air quality.
