Delhi Air Pollution: Thick fog envelops Delhi as air quality index plummets to 'very poor' levels
Delhi Air Pollution: A thick fog blanketed the national capital on Monday morning as Delhi Air Pollution levels surged, with the air quality index (AQI) in several areas registering in the ‘very poor’ category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
Video footage from the Akshardham Temple highlighted the dense fog enveloping the region, with the AQI dropping to 307, categorizing it as ‘very poor’ according to data from SAFAR-India. Surrounding areas also experienced significant air quality deterioration, contributing to the alarming conditions.
The CPCB has indicated that when the AQI falls into the ‘Poor’ category, it can lead to breathing discomfort for most individuals with prolonged exposure. In contrast, the ‘Very Poor’ category can result in respiratory illnesses for those exposed for extended periods.
On October 20, the situation worsened in the Anand Vihar area of Delhi, where the AQI plummeted to 454 at 8:30 a.m., placing it in the ‘Severe’ category. Similarly, in Dwarka Sector 8, the AQI fell to 311 during the same time, categorised as ‘Very Poor’. The AQI at ITO also reported a reading of 232, marking it as ‘Poor’.
A resident commented on the prevailing conditions, stating, “The weather is cold in Delhi and pollution has increased. People should wear masks as the pollution has escalated in the national capital.”
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In response to the escalating pollution levels, the Delhi government recently announced stringent measures under the Graded Response Action Plan-1 (GRAP-1) to enhance air quality in the national capital. This announcement followed a high-level meeting chaired by Delhi Chief Minister Atishi, with Environment Minister Gopal Rai and senior officials present.
During the meeting, Chief Minister Atishi encouraged Delhi residents to engage in carpooling, avoid burning crackers and waste, and utilise the Green Delhi app to report pollution incidents.
Concerns among Delhi residents have heightened as toxic foam has been visible on the Yamuna River in the Kalindi Kunj area for the past few days, further underscoring the urgent need to address Delhi air pollution.
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- With inputs from agencies
