Delhi’s Air Quality Hits ‘Very Poor’ Levels, Residents Face Breathing Struggles

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Key Points

  • Delhi’s air quality has stayed ‘very poor’ for three weeks after Diwali, with AQI levels reaching 362.
  • Residents are dealing with breathing problems, fever, and interruptions to their daily activities.
  • People are calling for stronger pollution control measures, such as banning truck entries.
  • The Supreme Court has stepped in, ordering the setup of checkpoints to control truck pollution.
  • Delhi’s Environment Minister is pushing for coordinated efforts to improve air quality long-term.

Looma News

Delhi’s air quality is getting worse, causing serious health issues for residents. On Sunday, the air quality index (AQI) was recorded at 362, putting it in the ‘very poor’ category. This is the third week in a row that air quality has been so bad after Diwali, with thick smog covering large parts of the city. Areas like Vivek Vihar, Nehru Nagar, ITO, and Chandni Chowk saw AQI levels ranging from 317 to 403.

Many people are facing breathing issues, fever, and general discomfort. One cyclist near India Gate said they had trouble breathing, showing how the pollution is affecting daily life. Another resident urged people to stay indoors, wear masks, and avoid going outside if possible.

Families with children are especially worried, as many schools have either closed or switched to online classes due to the dangerous air. One parent near Red Fort expressed frustration, pointing out that students’ education is being disrupted and health concerns are on the rise. There are also growing calls for stricter rules on vehicle emissions and stubble burning, which are major sources of the pollution.

In Agra, the pollution even affected the visibility around the Taj Mahal, with an AQI of 139, categorized as ‘moderate.’ Tourists visiting the monument were disappointed, as smog made it hard to see and ruined their experience.

In response to the crisis, the Supreme Court has ordered Delhi’s government and police to set up checkpoints at all 113 entry points into the city to prevent trucks from contributing to the pollution. The court expressed frustration with the government not fully following the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) and has instructed authorities to take immediate action.

Delhi’s Environment Minister, Gopal Rai, has called for a more coordinated effort to fight pollution. He urged different government departments to strictly enforce GRAP Stage-IV measures. He also stressed the need for daily reports on air quality and penalties for those who break air quality rules. The situation is critical, and urgent steps are needed to reduce pollution and protect public health.

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