New Delhi [India], November 13 : Amid deteriorating air quality in Delhi, Environmentalist Vimlendhu Jha said on Wednesday that it is a "very, very" alarming situation and the citizens need to be extremely cautious as the quality of air might reach severe category for several weeks due to dip in temperature.
Speaking to ANI, Vimlendhu Jha said that November 13 is the 15th day when the Air Quality Index of Delhi NCR is hovering around 390 very poor category.
"In some hot spots, the air quality index has already touched 400. It's a very, very alarming situation. This morning there was a blanket of smog in various parts of Delhi...There's a prediction that there might be rain by the meteorological department, and that might bring in some temporary relief. But the wind coming from north of Punjab and Haryana bringing in the smoke from the farm fires is going to have an impact with the winter setting in," he said.
"With the temperature dipping further in the next couple of weeks, I think we need to be extremely aware that the air quality index might reach the severe category and stay in the severe category for several weeks," he added.
The Environmentalist further said that vehicle pollution almost contributes 50 per cent of overall ambient air quality or air pollution.
"I think it's high time that the government and Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) realise that we should not wait for the air to become severe before they take advisory steps or extreme precautionary measures. Taking measures in a public health emergency is one of the first things that perhaps air quality governance requires," Vimlendhu Jha said.
Similar to other days, a dense layer of smog engulfed the national capital Delhi with the Air quality dropping down to 361 categorized as 'Very Poor' on Wednesday.
Residents have complained of low visibility on the roads and have also been experiencing irritation in their eyes, running nose, breathlessness and cough.
AQI in Anand Vihar was recorded at 399, 382 in Punjabi Bagh, 376 in Ashok Vihar at 8 a.m. as per the Central Pollution Control Board.