Delhi pollution season far from over yet, shows data
Hindustan TimesThe Capital will likely record another spell of bad air in the second half of December but will fall short from plunging into the “severe” zone, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board. CPCB data from the last five years shows that Delhi records two 15-day spells where the air quality typically deteriorates — in the first half of November and the second half of December, the latter being the second most polluted time of the year in the city based on the average air quality index. Forecasts by the Early Warning System for Delhi, which the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR relies on for decision-making purposes, show Delhi is likely safe from “severe” air till December 19. Delhi Pollution Control Committee, which assessed CPCB’s AQI for Delhi between 2018 and 2022 showed the period November 1-15 had the highest AQI through the year — 370, with the second highest 15-day spell being December 16-31, when the average AQI was 351.