Delhi's air quality poor for fifth day in row, to worsen in days ahead
The Hindu
Delhi's air quality has been 'poor' for five days, likely to worsen. Measures like increased parking fees, CNG/electric buses & metro, dust suppressants, 15-point action plan launched to mitigate air pollution.
Delhi's air quality was recorded in the 'poor' category for the fifth consecutive day on October 27 and is likely to deteriorate in the coming days due to unfavourable meteorological conditions, according to monitoring agencies.
The city's average air quality index (AQI) stood at 256 at 9 a.m. Several areas recorded their AQI in the 'very poor' category. Delhi's 24-hour average AQI was 256 at 4 p.m. on October 26, 243 on October 25 and 220 on October 24.
According to the Centre's Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi, the city's air quality is likely to deteriorate to 'very poor' category on October 28.
An AQI between zero and 50 is considered 'good', 51 and 100 'satisfactory', 101 and 200 'moderate', 201 and 300 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', and 401 and 500 'severe'.
The Delhi government launched a campaign to curb vehicular pollution on October 26, a year after Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena put it on hold, questioning its effectiveness.
A 2019 study conducted by the Central Road Research Institute showed that keeping engines running at traffic signals can increase pollution levels by more than 9 per cent.
A range of emission inventory and source apportionment studies carried out for Delhi in the past few years suggested that on-road vehicular exhaust emissions account for 9 per cent to 38% of PM2.5 emissions in the capital.
The Opposition Congress demanded that the government open the Gandhi Vatika Museum, depicting Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy and freedom struggle, built at a cost of ₹85 crore in Jaipur’s Central Park last year, during the Congress-led regime in Rajasthan. The museum has not been opened to the public, reportedly because of the administration’s engagements with the State Assembly and Lok Sabha elections.
Almaya Munnettam (Lay People to the Fore), group in the Ernakulam-Angamaly Archdiocese of the Syro-Malabar Church opposed to the synod-recommended Mass, rejected a circular issued by Major Archbishop Raphael Thattil and apostolic administrator Bosco Puthur on June 9 to implement the unified Mass in the archdiocese from July 3.
Pakistan coach Gary Kirsten stated that “not so great decision making” contributed to his side’s defeat to India in the Group-A T20 World Cup clash here on Sunday. The batting unit came apart in the chase, after being well placed at 72 for two. With 48 runs needed from eight overs, Pakistan found a way to panic and lose. “Maybe not so great decision making,” Kirsten said at the post-match press conference, when asked to explain the loss.