New Delhi:The national capital continues to grapple with severe air pollution as the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi hovers at an alarming 416, classifying the air quality as ‘severe.’ This concerning revelation marks the third consecutive day of hazardous air conditions, presenting a pressing concern for residents and authorities alike.
According to data provided by the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR)-India at 8:30 AM, various regions within Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) displayed consistently high AQI levels, thus confirming the distressing ‘severe’ categorization. Delhi University reported an AQI of 435, Terminal 3 airport at 456, Noida at 492, and IIT Delhi at 432. These areas, along with Gurugram, with an AQI of 435, are currently witnessing air quality that poses a significant health risk.
Moreover, Pusa and Lodhi Road were classified under the ‘very poor’ category, registering AQI levels of 395 and 385, respectively. The Central Pollution Control Board recorded an AQI of 442 in Wazirpur, 415 in Rohini, and 448 in Anand Vihar.
These dire air quality levels have sparked growing concerns among residents who have experienced difficulties in breathing and reported discomfort due to the prevailing smog. The rise in air pollution, particularly in the particulate matter (PM) 2.5 levels, is a cause for alarm as it poses serious health hazards to the population.
In light of this dire situation, the authorities have implemented the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage-III in Delhi, signifying the gravity of the issue. Moreover, a concerted effort is being made to persuade neighboring states, most notably Punjab, to address the issue of crop residue burning and its contribution to the pervasive smog. This concerted appeal aims to incentivize farmers to adopt eco-friendly practices and mitigate the detrimental effects of smog on the region’s air quality.
In response to this critical situation, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has called for an immediate remedial response to curtail air pollution in the affected cities. The NGT has requested Chief Secretaries from the affected states to provide an action taken report swiftly. The objective is to ensure improved air quality for the residents of these cities.
The persistently severe air quality in Delhi is raising concerns and necessitating collective action to address the ongoing environmental crisis. Citizens and authorities alike are working together to find effective solutions to combat this perilous air pollution predicament.”
