The air quality in the national capital saw a significant decline on Sunday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 352, categorized as ‘very poor,’ according to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR). This figure marks a deterioration from the previous day’s AQI of 255, which fell under the ‘poor’ category.
Particularly alarming was the situation in the Anand Vihar area, where the AQI soared to 405 early in the morning, placing it in the ‘severe’ category—worse than Saturday’s reading of 367. Similarly, the air quality around the Akshardham Temple was measured at 261, while Indira Gandhi International Airport recorded an AQI of 324, both classified as ‘very poor.’ A thick layer of smog has settled over various parts of the city, exacerbating health concerns for residents.
Residents have expressed their distress over the worsening conditions. Himanshu, a visitor to the city, described the situation as “suffocating,” urging the government to take action against pollution. A local cyclist also shared their struggles, stating, “We cycle daily here, but the pollution has made it hard to breathe. We tire more quickly, and although we wear bandanas for protection, it doesn’t seem to help.” The cyclist emphasized the need for more effective governmental measures to promote public transport and carpooling as solutions to the ongoing crisis.
As the festival of lights approaches, the Delhi government has taken steps to mitigate pollution, including a ban on firecrackers until January 1. The situation in the Yamuna River remains critical, with toxic foam observed in the Kalindi Kunj area. This has led to a political uproar, particularly between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). BJP leader Shazia Ilmi criticized the Delhi government for its ineffective pollution management, highlighting health risks posed by the toxic foam.
Also read: Unemployed Delhi man, 25, held for sending bomb threats to Indian airlines, says he wanted…
Ilmi pointed out that her colleague, BJP leader Virendraa Sachdeva, was hospitalized after suffering from health issues related to the river’s pollution, questioning the allocation of ₹3000 crore meant for public health and environmental cleanup.
In response, Delhi’s Environment Minister Gopal Rai accused the BJP of contributing to the pollution crisis, stating that collaboration among all parties is essential. He criticized the BJP’s approach, calling it mere theatrics and stressing that meaningful action is needed to address the issue effectively.
As air quality continues to worsen, both residents and officials are calling for urgent and sustained action to combat the public health crisis in Delhi.
