The latest AQI report by the Business Standard Trends in India clearly indicates that the air quality in Delhi has hit its highest level yet in the past four months. The problem of air contamination remains a crucial issue despite its heightened presence in multiple Indian urban areas throughout winter.
But the question remains unanswered: what is AQI actually? To simplify, it could be understood as the indication of the purity or pollution levels of the air in the environment. AQI, or the air quality index, functions as an evaluation tool that provides insight into the state of breathing air.
The AQI measures various pollutants in the atmosphere, such as:
- Particulate Matter (PM 2.5 and PM 10)
- Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)
- Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)
- Carbon Monoxide (CO)
- Ozone (O3)
- Ammonia (NH3)
The higher the AQI, the worse the air quality of the area would be.
The measurement of the Air Quality Index exists across six categorical levels, beginning with Good (0-50) and extending to Hazardous (400+). Clear air exists in the surroundings when the Air Quality Index is low, yet an elevated Air Quality Index indicates dangerous pollution elements that pose a major threat and associated health risks to people. People with affected lung disease, children, and elderly individuals are mostly prone to the unhealthy impacts of the high air quality index zones.
A thorough rationale for the problems that India encountered with pollution is evident indeed; India has an incessant and never-ending struggle against severe air pollution- its urbanization, its vehicle emissions, and its industrialization contribute to the major increasing levels of pollutants in the environment. Almost everything contributes to the poor air quality index (AQI), such as vehicle emissions by the use of cars and two-wheelers, which is on the rise, especially in metro cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bangalore. Construction dust also contributes fairly to the rising AQI level of the cities because of the lack of dust control measures in large-scale infrastructure projects.
Seasonal stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana worsens Delhi's infamous smog. The emissions of harmful gases due to this stubble burning not only increase the pollutants level in the atmosphere but also take a toll on the health and well-being of individuals.
During the festive season, improper and mass level of firecracker lightning poses a great threat. Though the ban on firecrackers has been in effect, firecrackers still make way leading up to an air pollution peak during festivals such as Diwali.
Industrial Pollution is yet another key element that potentially skyrockets the AQI levels in the atmosphere; industries have factories that release harmful pollutants into the environment, even for rural households, the usage of solid fuels like wood and coal for cooking significantly contributes to environmental pollution.
How can you protect yourself?
Individuals are not meant to do anything directly to control the pollution; however, they can take precautions and implement small changes that will not only contribute to decreasing the AQI level but will also promote their overall well-being:
1. Check AQI Daily
Use applications from the official government websites such as CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board) to check the AQI levels in your city, or simply check the AQI levels on the weather applications before stepping out.
2. Don’t forget to wear a mask
N95 and N99 masks help filter even the smallest of the harmful pollutants, even at the high air quality index areas. Hence, it is advised to wear these masks to prevent any health hazards.
3. Avoid Outdoor Activities
Reduce physical activities outside, especially in the early mornings and evenings when pollution is at the peak level.
4. Promote the usage of Air Purifiers
An air purifier will also help keep air inside your house clean for those who live in polluted cities.
5. Support Green Initiatives
Plant trees around your home and encourage urban gardening. Be a part of public transport and carpooling, or even embrace the adaptation of electric vehicles (EVs). Also, reduce the exposure of plastic and non-biodegradable wastes in the environment by switching to biodegradable alternatives.
Government Initiatives to Address Air Pollution
The Indian government has initiated a battle against air pollution by implementing the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), which aims to reduce the levels of air pollution by 20-30% in the major cities. As of the year 2025, the evaluation of its effectiveness is in progress.
The former chief minister of Delhi also implemented the odd-even scheme in the state, highlighting a temporary vehicle restriction policy aimed at cutting emissions in the city. Certain states have also implemented restrictions on the sale as well as bursting of the firecrackers. The government has also started offering subsidies and incentives for individuals who are switching to electric vehicles (EVs) instead of petrol/diesel vehicles.
It must be noted that air pollution remains a critical issue in India, although some small changes in our daily habits can make a huge difference if they go hand-in-hand with stronger policymaking and implementation by the government.
The next time you check the weather, remember to glance at the AQI, too, since the air we breathe directly impacts our health, productivity, and quality of life. Let us act today for a cleaner tomorrow! To gather more information about how to combat this rising AQI in the atmosphere, book an appointment at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital today.
