As per the Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi, it is anticipated that the air quality will likely remain ‘very poor’ until at least November 2. (Express file photo)
Barring a blip in 6 years, Delhi’s air cleanest for Jan-Oct
Even though Delhi’s air quality this October was the worst since 2020, the city’s air has overall been cleaner so far this year. According to the Centre’s Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), Delhi’s average AQI between January and October was 172, which is the best since 2018, barring 2020.
The AQI in the city, however, has been dipping for the past week, with Tuesday seeing the highest AQI recorded this season so far at 359. According to CAQM, the average wind speed during October this year is low. “The amount of rainfall and wind speed significantly affect AQI and play a major role in dispersing pollutants/emissions. Effective dispersion is still required for acceptable air quality, even in a scenario where the total amount of emissions from all of the region’s major sources is managed or decreased. October 2023 had periods of complete ‘still’ weather as well as comparatively slower average wind speeds,” it said.
Enforce prohibition on slow-moving vehicles on expressways: Delhi High Court
The Delhi High Court has directed the traffic department to ensure rigorous enforcement of prohibitions on slow-moving vehicles on expressways, especially within the territory of the national capital.
A division bench of Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Sanjeev Narula, in its October 17, order, had said that “regular monitoring and prompt corrective actions should be taken where deviations from the prescribed norms are observed”.
It noted that while there are clear provisions prohibiting slow-moving vehicles on designated expressways, it is the enforcement of the provisions that was the issue. “While regulations concerning the movement of slow-moving vehicles on expressways, such as the Delhi-Meerut Expressway, are in place, it is evident that there is a gap in their practical execution.
