Published 14:18 IST, November 4th 2019
As Delhi's Odd-Even begins, here's a comparison of AQI in other cities
As Delhi continues to choke under hazardous air pollution, here's a comparison of the AQI of other cities like Pune, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad via the SAFAR app
In a bid to tackle the menace of the escalating air pollution in the National Capital, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has relaunched the Odd-Even scheme on November 4. This step of the Delhi government comes after the massive increase in the Air Quality Index of the capital. The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of the city at 2:15 pm on Monday stood at 534, which falls in the "severe" category.
While the capital continues to reel under hazardous pollution levels, let's take into perspective the AQI of the other leading cities.
The enormous difference in the AQI of Mumbai (AOI- 53), Pune ( AQI- 38) and Ahmedabad (AQI-65) evidently shows the severity of the situation in Delhi and the disturbing outcomes can be hence foreseen.
SAFAR - System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research
With the implementation of SAFAR, it is possible to have active collaboration with local municipal corporations and various local educational institutions and governmental agencies in that Metro city. The motive behind SAFAR is to increase awareness among people regarding the air quality in their respective cities well in advance so that appropriate measures and systematic action can be taken up for the betterment of air quality and related health issues. Through SAFAR know the City Air Quality- Overall city pollution and Location-specific Air Quality- A relative contribution of different environments in a city. An AQI between 0-50 is considered 'good', 51-100 'satisfactory', 101-200 'moderate', 201-300 'poor', 301-400 'very poor' and 401-500 'severe'. An AQI above 500 falls in the 'severe plus' category.
Odd-Even scheme kicks in
The Odd-Even scheme of the Delhi government as a measure to curb air pollution began at 8 am on Monday. The government on Sunday decided to exempt electric vehicles from the scheme. Under this measure, only non-transport four-wheeled vehicles that have registration numbers ending with an even digit (4, 6, 8, 12 and 14) will ply on the roads. Similarly, vehicles with registration numbers ending with an even digit (0, 2, 4, 6, 8) will not be allowed on the roads on November 5, 7, 9, 11, 13 and 15. According to reports, the fine for violating the scheme is Rs 4,000. The scheme will conclude on November 15.
Updated 16:05 IST, November 4th 2019