New Delhi: The air quality is predicted to deteriorate to the higher end of the poor category to 'very poor' category by Monday mainly due to changing local weather conditions. Further deterioration of the Air Quality Index (AQI) is expected by October 15 to the 'very poor' category. The overall air quality in Delhi remained in the higher end of the poor category, as stated by the Centre-run System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR).
SAFAR recorded AQI at 258 in particulate matter (PM) 10 micrometers or less in diameter and is expected to go up to 277 in the next few days. The PM 2.5, which is the prominent pollutants, stood at 121 and is expected to rise to 136 in the next few days.
A report by SAFAR stated, "the stubble burning activity in Haryana, Punjab, and nearby border regions are moderate but increasing. It might not necessarily affect Delhi air if distant weather conditions around transport pathways are favourable. In the present scenario, although the magnitude of biomass related transport is not very high but upper winds are flowing from North-Northwest towards Delhi with good speed and hence may influence Delhi AQI with a share of more than 8 percent by Monday as per SAFAR forecasting model."
Particles narrower than 10 micrometres are the most hazardous because they can get deep into the lungs, and some may even get into the bloodstream.
After the monsoon withdrawal, the surface wind speed continues to be slow and the wind direction from the Northwest together affects the local weather in Delhi. The late monsoon withdrawal is not good for air quality in North India as the time progresses towards winter. The late monsoon along with anticyclone conditions favours formation of particulate matter and accumulation of pollutants.
"The air quality crisis becomes worse when internal (firecrackers, factory emissions) or external emissions (stubble burning) takes place. This collectively triggers high pollution in the city," a source said.
AAP leader Sanjay Singh addressed the issue of crop burning in the neighbouring states and said, "I want to tell the BJP it is time to stop the drama and theatrics. The Delhi government is already procuring and sending masks to people's homes. Your Kumbhakaran Central Government has been caught napping at the wheel once again. Tell the Centre to stop the crop burning in Haryana and Punjab. That will reduce pollution, not your gimmicks."