The air quality continued deteriorating in Delhi on Sunday, October 27, as the AQI slipped into the ‘severe’ category at various locations in the national capital.
The air quality continued deteriorating in Delhi on Sunday, October 27, as the AQI slipped into the ‘severe’ category at various locations in the national capital.
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In some areas, like Anand Vihar, the AQI was recorded at 405, categorised as ‘severe,’ according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). In Bawana, the AQI slipped to 398, marked as ‘very poor.’
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.
The visuals show a thick layer of smog enveloping the national capital, reducing visibility and causing breathing difficulty ahead of Diwali celebrations. It’s expected to deteriorate even further in the coming days, said experts.
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A visitor, Himanshu said, “It feels suffocating due to pollution. The govt should look into what can be done to reduce pollution.”
Despite the deteriorating air quality in the city, several morning walkers, joggers, and cyclists were seen working out at Kartavya Path near India Gate.
A cyclist said, “We are facing a lot of problems due to pollution. We take precautions also but nothing is worth it.”
Centre Issues Advisory
As air pollution becomes an increasingly urgent health concern, the Centre released a new advisory urging people to check air quality indices before going outside.
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In its advisory, shared with all states and UTs, it has also asked people to avoid heavily congested areas.
Vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, pregnant women and those with pre-existing conditions like respiratory and cardiovascular diseases should restrict outdoor activities such as sports and exercise, the advisory issued by Atul Goel, director general of health services, stated.
“Those experiencing worsening symptoms or discomfort due to poor air quality should seek immediate medical attention,” it added.
Yamuna River Pollution Persists
Moreover, toxic foam on the Yamuna River in the Kalindi Kunj area persisted. Earlier, the pollution in the river became a topic of hot political debate between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), with BJP leader Shazia Ilmi criticizing the Delhi government for its handling of the city’s worsening pollution crisis, highlighting the alarming presence of toxic foam in the River Yamuna and the resulting breathing difficulties for residents.
“BJP leader Virendra Sachdeva has fallen ill. Two days ago he took a dip in the Yamuna river. Today he is admitted to the hospital. This is an issue connected to the health of the public of Delhi. Where has the Rs 3000 crore meant for the public of Delhi and Yamuna river? The public of Delhi is not able to breathe…Toxic foam is floating on the Yamuna River,” Ilmi told news agency ANI.
Meanwhile, Delhi environment minister Gopal Rai criticsed the BJP, accusing it of contributing to the increasing pollution in the national capital. He alleged that at the time of preparation for the winter action plan, Delhi BJP gave no response or feedback.
