In Delhi, air-quality might slip from 'severe' to 'emergency' today
What's the story
After a slight relief last week, air pollution returned to Delhi to choke residents. Courtesy stubble burning, which hasn't stopped despite Supreme Court's orders, the air quality slipped to severe on Wednesday, and could further deteriorate to "emergency". This obviously means, people are going to fall sick, have trouble breathing, while the ones responsible to clear this mess, sleep. Here are more details.
Prediction
The situation is scary, to say the least
What concerned bodies are saying about pollution should worry all of us! System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR), which is a government-mandated monitor that tells about air quality is, said pollution will enter the "severe-plus" or "emergency" category today. Separately, Secretary of Earth Sciences, Madhavan Rajeevan, tweeted, "Forecast (green) suggests air quality in the severe category by Nov 14 (sic)."
Details
Since last night, air quality has worsened
Air Quality has been apocalyptic since last night. The PM 2.5 level, the particulate matter having a diameter less than 2.5 microns which can enter the lungs, was recorded at 337 micrograms per cubic meter, way above the emergency threshold of 300. The PM 10 level touched 484 micrograms per cubic meter, nearly five times more than the permissible limit of 100.
Twitter Post
AQI around JLN Stadium and IGI Airport remained severe
Delhi: Air Quality Index (AQI) at 457 around Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium and 460 around Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport (Terminal 3) - both in 'Severe' category. pic.twitter.com/yhn4v1yu4l
— ANI (@ANI) November 13, 2019
Details
Stubble burning is the main culprit, low temperature another
As expected, stubble burning is the prime reason why Delhi's pollution worsened. The lighting of residual crops made for 25% of the national capital's pollution on Tuesday. The dip in temperature is also a reason behind this condition. Meanwhile, SAFAR said in a report, "No sudden recovery is expected at least for the next two days. The condition may slightly improve by November 15."
Steps
SC pulled up governments after things went haywire
Though the situation returns to haunt people in Delhi and neighboring areas every year, the top court took cognizance of it only after it touched demonic levels. The apex court asked officials of Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi, if they were fine with the fact that people aren't even "safe inside their homes". SC said it had no sympathy for farmers who behave selfishly.
Twitter Post
These aren't pictures of a healthy nation
Delhi: People exercised and jogged - at parks, wearing masks this morning, as the air quality deteriorates. Visuals from Lodhi Garden. pic.twitter.com/sRonW2voXz
— ANI (@ANI) November 13, 2019
Tips
Governments don't care, you should!
As we know by now, governments are completely fine if residents breathe toxic air. This implies you have to take care of your health. Since smog has blanketed Delhi, stay indoors. If you have to step out, use a good mask. It's also advised to drink loads of water and have Vitamin C-rich fruits. Avoid junk and oily food as much as you can.