'Poison' in Delhi's air, 9 areas in red zone, AQI crosses 400

Delhi Air Pollution: The level of pollution in Delhi is continuously increasing, due to which the situation in the capital remains dangerous. With the onset of winter, the Air Quality Index (AQI) has reached the very poor category. The poison dissolved in the air of Delhi is making every breath difficult. While the average AQI of the capital was at a dangerous level of 420 on Saturday, it has decreased slightly on Sunday, but the situation is still serious.

Suffocating air and dangerous AQI level

In many areas of Delhi, the AQI is above 400, which falls in the very poor category. The air quality has been recorded as the worst in areas like Sonia Vihar, Vivek Vihar, Wazirpur, Jahangirpuri, Dwarka Sector 8, Anand Vihar, Ashok Vihar, Alipur and Bawana. The AQI of these areas is above 410, which is extremely harmful for health.

AQI between 300 to 400: Areas in dangerous category

The situation is not better in other areas of Delhi as well. At many places, the AQI is between 300 and 400, which falls in the very poor category. The AQI of major places is as follows:

IGI Airport: 325

Dilshad Garden: 385

ITO: 327

Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium: 351

Lodhi Road: 302

Punjabi Bagh: 379

Mathura Road: 360

It has become difficult for people living in these places to even breathe. Children, the elderly and sick people are being affected the most by the stifling air.

Causes of pollution

There are many reasons for the increase in pollution in Delhi:

Stubble burning: Incidents of stubble burning in neighboring states increase in winter, causing air quality to drop.

Vehicular pollution: Millions of vehicles running on Delhi's roads are the major sources of pollution.

Construction activities: Dust from construction sites further increases pollution.

Seasonal effect: Pollutant particles remain in the atmosphere due to cold and stagnant winds in winter.

Government efforts and challenges

Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai is taking strict steps to control pollution. Many restrictions have been implemented under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), including a ban on construction work, control on the movement of diesel vehicles and action against polluting industries. Despite this, the situation is improving slowly.

Steps towards solution

Comprehensive and long-term efforts are needed to save Delhi from the pollution crisis. Possible solutions:

Strictness on stubble burning: Farmers need financial help and awareness for stubble management.

Promotion of green energy: Encouraging electric options for vehicles.

Expansion of public transport: Dependence on private vehicles can be reduced by increasing the scope of metro and buses.

Tree plantation and green belt: Pollution particles can be reduced by promoting green areas.

Education and awareness: Making people aware about the dangers of pollution and their role in its solution.

Conclusion

The pollution levels in Delhi become a matter of grave concern every year. It is not only harmful for health but also affects the city's development and quality of life. Both the government and the public have to work together to tackle this crisis. Steps need to be taken today for a clean and healthy Delhi.