Residents of Delhi NCR, struggling with changing weather conditions and thick fog, are looking forward to an improvement as a sign of relief. As per recent updates, a strong Western Disturbance (WD) is expected to hit North India after December 20, bringing snowfall to the Himalayas and icy winds that could help disperse pollutants.
Western Disturbance is a weather system often associated with rain, snow, and cooler conditions, especially during winter in parts of India.
North India woke up to a thick layer of smog covering the region. With plummeting air quality, this appears to be the largest fog coverage of the season so far, pushing the AQI into the severe category. The current PM2.5 AQI is in the range of 324 to 471, while PM10 AQI ranges between 328 and 777.
Meteorologists say the smog is likely to persist throughout the day or into the next day, keeping the AQI in the severe category.
After two consecutive weak Western Disturbances that only resulted in smog and low wind speeds, the upcoming WD is expected to increase wind speeds after December 20 and produce heavy snowfall over the Himalayas. This may trigger icy winds over the plains of North India starting December 22.
Lok Sabha on Severe Pollution
Leaders in the Lok Sabha will hold a debate on pollution today under Rule 193. The Congress party and other opposition parties have been seeking such a discussion both inside and outside Parliament.
To ensure pollution levels within the city could be curbed, the government had earlier implemented strict measures, including a complete ban on construction and demolition activities, as well as prohibiting the entry of BS-IV engine vehicles. These measures will affect approximately 1.15 million vehicles in Delhi-NCR, allowing only 1.2 million BS-VI engine vehicles to enter the city.
These steps were taken after the Delhi government’s extensive research revealed that PM10 and 25.1% of PM2.5 pollution during the winter months was due to vehicles.
Fluctuations in AQI in Delhi
Delhi’s AQI has been fluctuating between “Severe” and “Very Poor” since November. On Wednesday, the city’s 24-hour average AQI stood at 334, placing it in the “Very Poor” category, although it was slightly better than Tuesday’s reading of 354.
Over the last two days, increased wind speeds have helped disperse some pollutants. In response to the air quality crisis, the Delhi Government has directed primary schools to close, while secondary and higher secondary classes have the option to choose between online and physical attendance. Offices have also been instructed to operate with only 50% staff on-site.
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