As Delhi grapples with severe air pollution, the Air Quality Index (AQI) has become a central focus, reaching alarming levels with the AQI breaching the 400 mark. The AQI, introduced in India as part of the Swachh Bharat campaign in 2014, serves as a crucial tool for assessing air quality and determining necessary actions to address the severity of the situation.
With the AQI categorized into six distinct levels, ranging from ‘Good’ to ‘Severe’, the index is designed to simplify the understanding of pollution for the public and authorities. Developed in collaboration with experts and research from institutions like IIT Kanpur, the AQI amalgamates data from various pollutants, including PM 10, PM 2.5, Nitrogen Dioxide, Ozone, and Carbon, into a single, comprehensive index value.
The calculation process behind the AQI involves assigning weight to different pollutants based on their impact on human health. Of particular concern are microscopic particles like PM 2.5, known to cause respiratory issues and contribute to chronic health problems such as asthma, heart attacks, and bronchitis. The complexity of the index lies in its ability to synthesize data from multiple monitoring stations across the country, providing a comprehensive overview of the overall air quality status.
In response to the deteriorating air quality, the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is enforced, mandating emergency measures to combat the escalating pollution levels in Delhi-NCR. Actions include restrictions on non-compliant diesel vehicles, limited entry of trucks into the city, and other regulatory measures to curb further deterioration.
