Delhi’s climate. (symbolic picture)
Cold has started increasing after the rain in Delhi-NCR. At the same time, there has been relief from smog. There was a poisonous atmosphere in the capital for the last several days. People were finding it difficult to breathe. Along with the rain, a drop in temperature has been recorded. Although there will be no rain in Delhi-NCR for a few days, there will be light fog. This information has been given by the Meteorological Department.
The Meteorological Department says that in the coming days the maximum temperature may remain up to 28 degrees Celsius, while the minimum is likely to be around 14 degrees. Light fog may be visible on the morning of Diwali, but the sky will remain clear during the day. The air quality index (AQI) in Delhi was 219 on Saturday morning. The air quality in the city has ranged from “very poor” to “severe” since October 28.
Stubble will not burn due to rain
An AQI between zero and 50 is considered good. The situation can be called satisfactory between 51 and 100. After this, between 101 and 200 is “moderate”, between 201 and 300 is bad. Between 301 and 400 is considered very bad, between 401 and 450 is considered severe. After this, above 450 is considered very serious.
The Meteorological Department had predicted favorable meteorological conditions including light rain due to western disturbance before Diwali. Due to rain, the air quality has improved and people can get clean air. Due to Western Disturbance, there was rain in most parts of North-West India including Punjab and Haryana, which has reduced the smoke emanating from stubble burning.
Pollution may increase after Diwali
The Meteorological Department said that once the western disturbance leaves, the wind speed will increase to about 15 kilometers per hour, due to which there is a possibility of pollution spreading before Diwali. Last year, reduction in stubble burning incidents, favorable meteorological conditions and early Diwali had prevented the national capital from turning into a gas chamber.
Vinay Kumar Sehgal, chief scientist of the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, has expressed the possibility of reduction in farm fires by two to three days in Punjab and Haryana due to humid conditions after the rains. In view of the worsening air pollution, the Delhi government is planning to cause artificial rain on November 20-21 through cloud seeding. The Delhi government on Wednesday rescheduled the December winter holidays of all schools. Winter vacation will now last from 9 to 18 November.
Odd-even formula will not be applicable at present
Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Friday said the government has postponed the odd-even formula as the city’s air quality has improved significantly due to the rains. The government will review the air quality situation after Diwali and an odd-even scheme may be considered if there is a sharp increase in pollution levels. Rai had earlier said that the scheme would be implemented in the city after the Supreme Court reviews its effectiveness and issues orders.