NEW DELHI: Residents of the national capital woke up to a thick blanket of dense fog on Tuesday morning, significantly reducing visibility across several areas. Compounding the weather woes, the air quality deteriorated sharply, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 256 at 7 am, firmly placing it in the 'poor' category as per data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
Widespread Poor Air Quality Across Monitoring Stations
Monitoring stations scattered throughout Delhi reported AQI levels ranging from poor to very poor, painting a grim picture of the city's atmospheric conditions. According to reports from news agency ANI, Ashok Vihar recorded an AQI of 287, Bawana 239, and Burari 234. More concerning readings came from Anand Vihar at 334 and Chandni Chowk at 324.
Other notable areas included Dwarka Sector 8 at 293, ITO at 248, Mundka at 297, and Wazirpur at 316. The situation remained severe in Okhla Phase-2 (310), Rohini (281), Punjabi Bagh (295), and RK Puram (300). Slightly lower, yet still problematic, readings were observed in Narela (168) and Alipur (212), as confirmed by the CPCB.
Understanding AQI Classifications
As per the standard AQI classification system, a reading between 0 and 50 is considered 'good', 51 to 100 'satisfactory', 101 to 200 'moderate', 201 to 300 'poor', 301 to 400 'very poor', and 401 to 500 'severe'. Tuesday's readings clearly indicate that most of Delhi is grappling with air quality that poses health risks, especially to vulnerable groups.
Temperature and Weather Conditions
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that the temperature in Delhi hovered around 12 degrees Celsius at 7 am, adding a chilly edge to the foggy and polluted morning. This combination of low temperatures and poor air quality often exacerbates respiratory issues for many residents.
Political Calls for Action on Pollution
Meanwhile, the issue of air pollution has taken center stage in political discourse. On Sunday, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, vocally called for a comprehensive parliamentary debate on air pollution. He urged the government to allocate sufficient funds in the upcoming Union Budget to tackle this pressing issue effectively.
In a detailed Facebook post, Gandhi shared that he had read thousands of messages from citizens expressing their fears and concerns about pollution's impact on their lives. He emphasized that the prevailing sentiment among families across Indian cities is one of fear—fear for children, parents, and the future.
Gandhi's Direct Appeal
Through a self-made video, Gandhi made a direct appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating, "It is about time the government allows a discussion in Parliament and the Prime Minister should declare pollution a national health emergency... We need to come together and develop a serious plan... We need to make sure there is enough money in the budget to tackle this problem."
In his post, the Congress leader elaborated, "Pollution is no longer just an environmental issue; it is a national health emergency. Parliament must discuss it. The government must act. And this Budget must put real resources behind real solutions. Indians are not asking for reports or rhetoric. They are asking for clean air."
Upcoming Budget Session Context
The Budget session, which is set to span 30 sittings over 65 days and conclude on April 2, provides a critical platform for such discussions. The two Houses of Parliament will adjourn for a recess on February 13 and reconvene on March 9. This break allows Standing Committees to meticulously examine the Demands for Grants of various ministries and departments, potentially including allocations for environmental and health initiatives related to air pollution.
The convergence of severe weather conditions, deteriorating air quality, and heightened political attention underscores the urgent need for coordinated action to address Delhi's pollution crisis, which continues to affect millions of lives daily.
