To support the homeless people of the city during the colder months, the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) has established 235 pagoda tents to serve as night shelters. Many individuals have taken refuge in these facilities as temperatures see a significant drop low.
Delhi air pollution: Amid deteriorating air quality, which has further plunged into ‘very poor’ category, the Delhi-NCR region has been hit by cold wave conditions since Sunday, with the mercury dropping to 5°C at 5:30 AM, down from 6°C on Sunday. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the air quality index (AQI) in Delhi surged to 345 at 7 AM today, higher than the previous day’s AQI of 246. Areas such as Bawana, Burari Crossing, Alipur, and Anand Vihar recorded AQI levels ranging from 350 to 397, indicating hazardous air quality.
Deployment of Shelter homes
To support homeless people during cold-wave conditions, the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) has established 235 pagoda tents to serve as night shelters. Many individuals have taken refuge in these facilities during the night. These shelter homes have been equipped with essential amenities, including medicines, meals, and ambulances.
Meanwhile, a thick layer of smog blanketed several parts of Uttar Pradesh this morning. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has confirmed that Moradabad is experiencing a ‘cold wave’ with a minimum temperature of 8°C on Monday. These poor air quality, fluctuating temperatures, and fog continue to be a cause of concern for residents of the national capital, calling for effective measures to curb pollution and ensure proper shelter during winter.
AQI Categories
For context, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) categorizes AQI as follows: 0 to 50 is “good,” 51 to 100 is “satisfactory,” 101 to 200 is “moderate,” 201 to 300 is “poor,” 301 to 400 is “very poor,” and 401 to 500 is “severe”.
Actions taken
Previously, in consideration of the fluctuating weather conditions of the National capital, the Supreme Court permitted the relaxation of GRAP Stage IV restrictions in Delhi NCR to GRAP Stage II. However, GRAP Stages IV and III were revoked by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in the region with GRAP Stages II and I to continue to remain in force across Delhi NCR.
(With ANI inputs)
