Delhi grapples with severe air pollution and worsening water scarcity as light rain fails to cleanse the atmosphere and high ammonia levels disrupt water supply, leaving residents in several areas of the national capital struggling with twin crises.
With light showers not bringing respite from “severe” air pollution and a spike in ammonia levels in the Yamuna River leading to water scarcity, people in Delhi have been hit with a double whammy.
A spell of light rain on Monday offered little to no relief, with the 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) remaining in the “severe” category at 406, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
While morning AQI levels briefly improved to the “very poor” range, pollution spiked again to “severe” by the afternoon. Experts noted that the light rainfall, coupled with low wind speeds, failed to disperse pollutants effectively.
Cloudy skies also contribute to the problem, keeping temperatures cooler and hindering the vertical movement of pollutants. Without significant wind or heavy rain, pollutants stagnated over the city.
Rain, typically a natural cleanser, proved insufficient to clear the heavy pollution, leaving residents exposed to unhealthy air.
WATER SCARCITY WORSENS
Delhi’s water crisis deepened as high ammonia levels in the Yamuna River disrupted operations at the Wazirabad water treatment plant (WTP). Ammonia levels exceeded 5 ppm, prompting the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) to redistribute water, affecting multiple neighbourhoods.
Key areas, including Majnu Ka Tila, ISBT, Defence Colony, and Greater Kailash, experienced water shortages as authorities diverted resources from other plants. This reallocation also led to reduced water production at Haiderpur Phase-I, Phase-II, Bawana, and Dwarka WTPs, affecting supply to Pitampura, Shalimar Bagh, Rohini sectors, and Dwarka zones.
Residents in these areas are facing disrupted water supplies amid escalating demand.
Authorities are working to manage the dual crises by redistributing resources and urging residents to conserve water. However, the combination of stagnant air quality and water shortages has left many struggling to cope.
The city remains on edge as pollution and water scarcity take a toll on daily life.
Article source: indiatoday.in
