Delhi breathes slightly easier, but health risks remain

Delhi's air quality showed slight improvement with better air conditions on Tuesday, reducing the pollution burden that had been affecting residents since several days.

The official data showed that the city recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 273 which indicates a slight improvement from previous measurements.

The air quality showed improvement, yet remained under the 'poor' category, indicating that pollution still continues to affect the area.

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Haze lingers across the capital

A thin fog covered the city at dawn continued to cover multiple sections of the capital city. The air quality showed better visibility for the current day but people still experienced heavy breathing difficulties which continued until the morning.

Daily routines still affected

People who went outdoors for their morning exercises or to take children to school or to travel to work found that they could breathe somewhat better yet they still needed to protect themselves from the dangers that come with breathing polluted air.

CPCB data confirms ‘poor’ air

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported that several areas across Delhi recorded AQI levels ranging between 250 and 300 which established them as entry points in the 'poor' category. Air quality at this level makes it difficult for most people to breathe except for those who experience breathing problems including asthma and bronchitis and special groups such as children and elderly people.

Weather plays a key role

The weather conditions which experts consider beneficial for air quality improvement have helped to increase wind speed which functions as a natural cleaning force to remove pollutants from urban areas.

Health advisory remains in place

Prolonged exposure to polluted air results in multiple health issues which include eye irritation throat discomfort and lung problems together with headaches and fatigue.

Health experts recommend that people should limit their outdoor activities and wear masks when they go outside and keep their windows closed during the times when pollution levels reach their highest point.

GRAP measures continue

The authorities maintain their active monitoring of the ongoing situation. The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) measures continue to operate as pollution control measures.

The regulations include two major restrictions which comprise of construction activity prohibitions and enhanced vehicle contamination checks together with transport advisory measures that discourage private vehicle usage.

Experts who study the environment report that Delhi air quality suffers from rapid changes which depend on current weather situations. A decrease in wind speed together with an increase in emissions will result in pollution levels that reach the 'very poor' category, ANI reported.

The temporary gain at this moment does not solve the existing problem. Residents believe that continuous work together with good weather conditions will create permanent relief from their problems. Air pollution remains an ongoing battle for Delhi which now experiences slightly improved conditions yet still lacks safe breathing levels.

With inputs from agency.