Smoggy conditions: Delhi hopes on rain predicted on Nov 14-15

New Delhi, November 12

Light rain predicted on November 14 and 15 is likely to clear the smog in Delhi and bring respite to the people gasping for breath.

The minimum temperature today touched 13 degrees Celsius, one notch below the season's average while the maximum temperature was recorded at 28.4 degrees Celsius.

Humidity levels oscillated between 98 per cent and 51 per cent.

According to the MeT department, moderate fog will prevail Delhi tomorrow morning and mostly clear sky during the day.

Light rains have been predicted in the national capital on November 14 and 15, which, the MeT officials say, could clear the smog, giving some relief to Delhiites.

The national capital has been experiencing dense smog for the past a few days, forcing authorities to enforce emergency measures such as banning construction activities and brick kilns due to worsening air pollution.

The "odd-even" rationing of cars, which was scheduled to begin on Monday, was however deferred by the Delhi government after the National Green Tribunal ordered the withdrawal of exemptions given to women and two-wheelers under the scheme.

A thick layer of smog continued to blanket the national capital and its adjoining region today even as reports claimed that the air quality was slowly, but steadily, improving.

The city's Air Quality Index has been in the range of 700 to 1,000, making it difficult for people in the state to even breathe.

One of the residents of the city told ANI, “It is tough to breath and the situation needs to be fixed.”

As the pollution has hit 70 times the World Health Organisation's safe limit, doctors have suggested people to wear N90 masks whenever they go out, as exposure to air pollution can lead to cancer and heart disease.

Taking cognisance of it, people at the historical India Gate were seen wearing masks. A jogger at the India Gate, Shubhankar Tomar, told ANI, “Today the fog is back. Yesterday, there was not much. The government should take an initiative to resolve this deadly situation.”

Another jogger said, “We are facing breathing problems now. We are taking precautions to protect ourselves from respiratory problems.”

Meanwhile, the Health Ministry has also issued an advisory, asking citizens to drink plenty of water and avoid areas with smoke or heavy dust.

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has identified four reasons for the sudden onset of pollution - temperature, wind speed, relative humidity and atmospheric boundary layer - for the worsening Delhi air.

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has banned construction, one source of particulate matter pollution, in the region through November 14, whereas truck and car travel has also been limited.

To this end, trucks and heavy vehicles were barred from entering into Delhi last night. —Agencies