Three weeks after Diwali, Delhi’s air quality remained in the ‘very poor’ category on Sunday, with residents of the national capital complaining of breathing difficulties.
Delhi’s overall AQI registered 362 as of 8 am on Sunday as the national capital was covered in a thick layer of smog, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
As per CPCB data, the AQI measured in Vivek Vihar was 399, 403 in Nehru Nagar, 317 in ITO and 349 in Chandni Chowk. An AQI of 0 to 50 is considered good, 51 to 100 satisfactory, 101 to 200 moderate, 201 to 300 poor, 301 to 400 very poor, and 401 to 500 severe.
Residents complained of difficulty breathing, fever and other health problems and called on authorities to find a permanent solution to rising pollution levels.
- Delhi Weather, AQI, Air Pollution Live Today: Delhi’s air quality remains ‘very poor’; Residents report difficulty breathing
“We are facing problems due to pollution. Pollution has taken a toll on our daily life and we are also having breathing problems,” said a cyclist near India Gate.
Another official told ANI that people should stay indoors and take precautions to protect their health.
“To reduce pollution, we need to properly inspect vehicles and check stubble burning. It is taking a toll on the lives of both adults and children. Now is the time for everyone to stay indoors. ” he said. .
“The situation is getting worse day by day. People go out early in the morning to breathe fresh air, but here they are breathing in pollutants from the morning. Steps need to be taken to tackle the problem. A certain time has come. People should start using masks,” said a pedestrian near India Gate.
Residents near the Red Fort complained that apart from health concerns, students are unable to attend school as most institutions remain closed and some have switched to online classes.
“The situation has become very alarming. It is difficult to even breathe. People’s fevers are rising, schools are closed and travel is suspended,” he said.
In Agra, the iconic Taj Mahal looked magical amidst a thin layer of smog.
According to CPCB data recorded at 8 am, the AQI was measured at 139, falling under the ‘moderate’ category.
Krishna, a tourist who visited the Taj Mahal, said, “I came here to visit the Taj Mahal as it was the weekend. But due to the pollution and fog, I can hardly see the monument.”
He added: “It’s unfortunate. I hope the situation will improve over time.”
Earlier this week, the Supreme Court directed the Delhi government and police to immediately set up checkpoints at all 113 entry points to Delhi to check entry of trucks into the country. The Act appointed 13 lawyers as members of the bench to visit entry points into Delhi and check whether trucks are stopped from entering.
The Supreme Court expressed dissatisfaction with the compliance of the GRAP IV measures, saying that despite the orders passed by the Supreme Court and the CAQM, the Delhi government and the police were not complying with the provisions under GRAP Stage IV.
“As far as complaints are concerned, we are not satisfied. The government has not clearly stated how many entry points will be attended by officials to comply with GRAP IV measures,” he said.
“We direct the Delhi government and the Delhi Police to immediately set up checkpoints at all 113 entry points,” the court ordered.
As per GRAP-IV restrictions imposed by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), trucks are not allowed to enter Delhi-NCR to combat air pollution.
Keeping in mind the rising pollution levels, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has activated Stage IV of its Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), imposing restrictions such as banning trucks and halting public construction projects.
Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai has asked Chief Minister Dharmendra to strictly implement the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to tackle the worsening air quality in the national capital. He stressed the need for all sectors to work together to implement the 2024 Winter Action Plan and achieve sustainable improvements in air quality.
Mr. Rai directed all departments to submit daily reports on the steps taken and progress made in implementing GRAP. He stressed the importance of strict enforcement mechanisms to punish violators of air pollution standards.
