After days of ‘severe plus’ air quality, the AQI in the national capital slightly improved and dropped to the ‘very poor’ category on Thursday. A thin layer of smog engulfed several parts of Delhi, reducing visibility. The Delhi government is taking various steps to mitigate the air pollution levels.
The government has instructed the administration to use truck-mount water sprinklers. Delhi Police has also directed social media and e-commerce platforms to immediately cease the online sale and delivery of firecrackers within the National Capital Territory (NCT) amid rising air pollution levels.
AQI In Delhi
According to the data of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded in Delhi is 369, categorised as ‘very poor’, as of 6 am on Friday.
However, several areas in Delhi remain under the ‘severe’ category, with Anand Vihar recording an AQI of 408, Jahangirpuri (424), Wazirpur (412).
AQI from other parts- Rohini (395), Ashok Vihar (394), Punjabi Bagh (391), R K Puram (370), Patparganj (376), Chandni Chowk (357), Dwarka-Sector 8 (308), Pusa (340).
#WATCH | Delhi: A layer of dense smog covers the National Capital as the air quality continues to deteriorate. The AQI of the Lodhi Road is 267, categorised as 'poor' as per the CPCB.
— ANI (@ANI) November 22, 2024
(Visuals from Lodhi Road) pic.twitter.com/BePig5vrRI
As the air quality reeled into ‘severe’ and ‘severe plus’ category for the past few days, toxic foam also continued to persist on the surface of the Yamuna River.
Earlier, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) had amended the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), introducing stricter measures to address air pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR).
Delhi Pollution: AAP Attacks Union Environment Minister
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Thursday launched an attack on Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav and accused him of turning a deaf ear to the growing pollution crisis in northern India.
AAP took to and wrote, “Bhupendra Yadav ji ko koi fark nahin padhta” (Bhupendra Yadav ji does not care).
भूपेंद्र यादव जी को कोई फ़र्क नहीं पड़ता 🤷♂ pic.twitter.com/CBJ4RnUckH
— AAP (@AamAadmiParty) November 21, 2024
Citizens Demand Action
Notably, Delhi has been grappling with deteriorating air quality and thick smog for the past few weeks.
Locals have demanded the government to take steps in order to curb this pollution, as it is affecting their daily activities and health.
“Delhi Government should take a major step to control the pollution as it affects us and create problems when we go for a morning walk,” an elderly local said to ANI.
Another resident, Mahaveer Kumar said, “The level of pollution has increased a lot. Earlier, the level of pollution didn’t go this much higher. The problem is government is not taking a step to curb the pollution. People are getting affected, it is deteriorating our health, children cannot go to schools and colleges. For now, the government has changed the physical mode of classes to online mode, but how long it will go? Government should take some steps regarding this…”
Also Read: Delhi Air Pollution: Centre Announces Staggered Work Timing For Govt Employees; Check Details
