A thin layer of smog engulfed Delhi on Saturday as the Air Quality Index dropped to 226, classified as ‘poor’. The pollution in the national capital has, however, taken a political turn, igniting a fierce debate among the parties. As the air quality deteriorated, the Congress and BJP leaders attacked the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government over it.
According to the Central Pollution Control Board, the worst AQI was reported in the Anand Vihar and Akshardham regions reaching 334 (very poor). This was followed by AIIMS at 253 and India Gate at 251. Amid rising pollution levels, toxic foam was also spotted floating on the Yamuna River.
Drone Visuals From Kalindi Kunj:
#WATCH | Delhi: Toxic foam seen floating on the Yamuna River as pollution level in the river rises. Drone visuals from Kalindi Kunj. pic.twitter.com/1kLjlYZn3Z
---Advertisement---— ANI (@ANI) October 19, 2024
Hitting out at the AAP government on worsening air quality in Delhi, BJP National Spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla said, “Delhi has turned into a virtual gas chamber. Breathing has become difficult as the AQI is constantly rising. Thick foam has been spotted on the Yamuna River. Air or water, everything is polluted. Thanks to the Aam Aadmi Party’s polluted politics. Gopal Rai is only attending meetings, CM Bhagwant Mann is blaming someone else for the stubble burning in Punjab. They have banned firecrackers and the money is being spent on corruption.”
#WATCH | Delhi: On the worsening of the air quality in Delhi, BJP National Spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla says, "Delhi has become a virtual gas chamber. It is difficult to breathe and the AQI is constantly rising…There is thick foam on the Yamuna River. Whether it is air or… pic.twitter.com/7ClscxqNv5
— ANI (@ANI) October 19, 2024
Congress leader Abhishek Dutt has also raised questions on the AAP’s effectiveness in Delhi, stating, “What has Gopal Rai and the Delhi CM done in the last 10 years to curb air pollution in Delhi? Administration, governance, and air quality have deteriorated. The AAP is doing drama and the people of Delhi are suffering in the tussle between the AAP and BJP.”
#WATCH | Delhi: On the worsening of the air quality in Delhi, Congress leader Abhishek Dutt says, "What has Gopal Rai and the Delhi CM done in the past 10 years to control air pollution in Delhi? The administration, governance and air pollution in Delhi have worsened…The AAP is… pic.twitter.com/rOsY4BUaWd
— ANI (@ANI) October 19, 2024
Amid growing concerns over the poor air quality in the national capital, a resident said, “Delhi’s pollution has increased and we are facing breathing issues. The government should take necessary steps to control it.”
#WATCH | Delhi: A resident says, “The pollution in Delhi has increased and we are having trouble breathing. The government should take steps to control the pollution” pic.twitter.com/skP0MjWlYF
— ANI (@ANI) October 19, 2024
Also Read: IMD Weather Update: Heavy Rainfall Likely In Gujarat, Delhi’s AQI Remains ‘Very Poor’
