A video from the Akshardham temple showed dense fog in the area as the AQI slipped to 307, categorised as ‘very poor’, SAFAR-India data showed.
A thick fog engulfed the national capital on Monday morning as the air quality index (AQI) in several areas remained in the ‘very poor’ category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board.
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A video from the Akshardham temple showed dense fog in the area as the AQI slipped to 307, categorised as ‘very poor’, SAFAR-India data showed. Surrounding areas were also choked with poor air quality.
As per the Central Pollution Control Board, the AQI when marked under the ‘Poor’ category can cause breathing discomfort to most people on prolonged exposure, whereas, when under the ‘Very Poor’ category, it can cause respiratory illness on prolonged exposure.
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On October 20, the AQI at Anand Vihar area of Delhi dropped to 454 recorded at 8:30 am, putting it under the ‘Severe’ category. The AQI at Dwarka, sector-8, fell to 311 at 8:30 am, marked under the ‘Very Poor’ category.
The AQI at ITO in the national capital stood at 232 at 8:30 am, marked under the ‘Poor’ category. “The weather is cold in Delhi and pollution has increased. People should wear masks as the pollution has increased in the national capital,” said a Delhi resident.
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DELHI GOVT’S PLAN TO COMBAT RISING AIR POLLUTION
Earlier this month, the Delhi government announced the strict implementation of measures under the Graded Response Action Plan-1 (GRAP-1) to improve air quality in the national capital, according to a statement from the Delhi Chief Minister’s Office.
The announcement followed a high-level meeting chaired by Delhi Chief Minister Atishi, with Environment Minister Gopal Rai and senior officials in attendance. Atishi also urged Delhi residents to carpool, refrain from burning crackers and waste, and report pollution incidents via the Green Delhi app.
With the rise in pollution levels, toxic foam has been visible on the Yamuna River in the Kalindi Kunj area of Delhi for the last few days, triggering concerns in Delhi residents.