Ongoing Struggle: Delhi's Air Quality Situation in October 2023

Delhi, in October 2023, grapples with persistent air quality issues, with an overall AQI of 173. The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi reached 173 on a Saturday morning, categorizing it as 'moderate.' Data released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) indicates a city-wide AQI of 162 at 6 a.m. In contrast, areas such as Burari, Jahangirpuri, and Rohini experienced 'poor' air quality.

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Delhi, in October 2023, grapples with persistent air quality issues, with an overall AQI of 173. The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi reached 173 on a Saturday morning, categorizing it as 'moderate.' Data released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) indicates a city-wide AQI of 162 at 6 a.m. In contrast, areas such as Burari, Jahangirpuri, and Rohini experienced 'poor' air quality.

The Indian Express reports that October 2023 marks one of Delhi's most polluted months since 2020. Experts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predict limited relief in the coming days. Wind speeds, currently at 6 to 8 km/hour, are expected to dip further to 4 to 8 km/hour. The impact of western disturbances in 2023 has been limited, unlike the multiple disturbances in 2022. PM 10 levels in Delhi measured 161, and PM 2.5 levels stood at 82, indicating hazardous air quality.

The India Meteorological Department forecasts mainly clear skies with a temperature of 17.2 degrees Celsius. The National Capital Region (NCR) is expected to experience temperatures of 32°C (max) and 16°C (min).

In October 2023, the battle against pollution in Delhi continues, with the city's air quality vacillating between 'moderate' and 'poor' levels. The Air Quality Index (AQI) for Delhi reached 173 on a Saturday morning, placing it in the 'moderate' category. However, certain pockets of the city witnessed 'poor' air quality, with AQI levels soaring to alarming numbers, foreshadowing weeks of air quality challenges to come.

Delhi's air quality was analyzed by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), which reported an overall AQI of 162 at 6 a.m. While the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium recorded an AQI of 190, falling within the 'moderate' category, other areas such as CRRI Mathura Road, ITO, and Mandir Marg stations registered 'moderate' air quality with varying AQI levels.

In stark contrast, regions like Burari, Jahangirpuri, Dwarka Sector-8, Rohini, and Wazirpur stations faced 'poor' air quality, with CPCB data revealing AQI levels of 275, 251, 263, 247, and 235, respectively. The Indian Express highlighted that October 2023 stands as one of the most polluted months Delhi has seen since 2020, with an average AQI of 181.7 in the first 19 days, surpassing the averages recorded in 2022 and 2021.

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Meteorological experts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast limited relief in the near future, with wind speeds expected to further decrease and little impact from western disturbances. Unlike the multiple disturbances in 2022, only one affected the city in 2023, resulting in just a single day of rainfall.

Delhi's PM 10 and PM 2.5 levels, indicating hazardous air quality, add to the city's woes. The India Meteorological Department predicts mainly clear skies with an early morning temperature of 17.2 degrees Celsius, while the National Capital Region (NCR) is anticipated to experience temperatures of 32°C (max) and 16°C (min). The struggle against air pollution in Delhi persists, raising concerns for residents and authorities alike.