The air quality of Delhi continued to remain in the ‘very poor category,’ as several parts of the city witnessed smog for the ninth consecutive day post-Diwali on Saturday.
According to the SAFAR data, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi was recorded at 360 as of 8 am today, categorised as ‘very poor.’
Visuals show a layer of smog engulfs the area surrounding Kartavya Path as the AQI recorded is 391 while the AIIMS area recorded 343 AQI, according to the CPCB.
Other major parts of Delhi, including Bawana recorded an AQI of 409, Alipur at 387, Anand Vihar at 393, Dwarka Sector 8 at 362, IGI Airport at 344, Dilsahd Garden at 220, ITO at 359, Mundka at 377, Najafgarh at 379, New Moti Bagh at 411, Patparganj at 389, RK Puram at 376 and Wazirpur at 399, as per the data of SAFAR.
Akshardham, one of the famous tourist spot of Delhi and one of the major route, connecting Delhi to several important parts of Uttar Pradesh, recorded an AQI of 393 and the air quality categorised as ‘very poor’, as per the CPCB.
Locals convey that this air pollution is causing several problems to them, including breathing issues, headache, cough, cold, etc.
Speaking to ANI, one of the locals, Shubham said, “Pollution is a problem, it causes problem in breathings, elderly people and people with health issues get most affected. It also causes respiratory problem. The AQI level is increasing day by day after Diwali.”
As the smog as engulfed the Kartavya Path, a cyclist at India Gate asserted that everyone has to contribute equally to control this problem, as there is no single solution to this problem.
“… There is no one factor affecting Delhi’s air, stubble, vehicular pollution, people have burst crackers as well, all these reasons have contributed to the smog. Just like there is no one problem, there is no single solution. Everyone has to do their bit…” he said.
Aakash, a resident of Delhi, said, “Pollution is getting increased every year. Climate is also changing every year due to pollution. It is creating health issues for people. This pollution is problematic for elderly people, and people suffering from asthma. Today, even young generation is also getting affected by this pollution.”
“This smoke is irritating eyes. This pollution has caused a lot of problems, such as cough, cold, headache, and pain. We come daily for a walk in the morning but this year, it feels like pollution has increased too much,” a local said.
On Friday, a doctor at Delhi’s Sir Ganga Ram Hospital on Friday highlighted a direct correlation between rising cases of respiratory issues and the worsening Air Quality Index (AQI).
“With the increase in AQI, there’s a clear rise in the number of patients. Most are coming in with breathlessness,” said Dr Bobby Bhalotra, Vice Chairman of the Department of Respiratory Medicine at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital.
“Many patients are experiencing sleepless nights due to persistent cough. Those with asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), chronic smokers, and individuals working in dusty environments, particularly police personnel, are seeing their conditions worsen. Every citizen must take responsibility to reduce pollution and limit exposure,” he added.
An AQI is considered “poor” between ‘200 and 300’, “very poor” at ‘301 and 400’, “severe” at ‘401-450,” and 450 and above is “severe plus.”
Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Tuesday chaired a meeting with concerned departments on the issue of rising pollution levels in national capital. He pitched for a united effort in North Indian states to mitigate pollution, while accusing BJP governments in neighbouring states of doing ‘politics’ over air pollution.
