Vikrant Shekhawat : Nov 03, 2024, 10:39 AM
Delhi AQI Index: Air pollution in the national capital Delhi has once again reached its peak, making it difficult for Delhiites to breathe. The level of pollution is at dangerous levels since Diwali and a large part of the capital has turned into a 'gas chamber'. The Air Quality Index (AQI) has been recorded more than 400 in various areas, which falls in the 'severe' category and is considered extremely harmful for health.Pollution level in DelhiThe AQI of many major areas in Delhi has been recorded very bad at 7 am today. Here is the AQI level of some major places:Anand Vihar: 427 (severe)Ashok Vihar: 402 (severe)Narela: 359 (very poor)Airport: 349 (very poor)Lodhi Road: 330 (very poor)Najafgarh: 372 (very poor)Punjabi Bagh: 398 (very poor)Jahangirpuri: 394 (very poor)Rohini: 404 (severe)According to the AQI standards, between 301 to 400 falls in the 'very poor' category and above 401 in the 'severe' category, which makes it clear that the air quality levels in many areas of Delhi are posing serious health risks.Pollution increased with the onset of winterWith the arrival of winter season, the air quality in Delhi has started deteriorating. In winter, the winds become slow and the polluting particles remain in the atmosphere for a longer time. In this situation, the people of Delhi are facing problems like difficulty in breathing, irritation in the eyes, cough.Condition of other citiesThe pollution level in Delhi's neighboring cities is also at a dangerous level. On Saturday evening, Delhi's AQI was recorded at 316. The AQI in Anand Vihar was more than 400 in the 'severe' category, while other places recorded 'very poor'.Ghaziabad: 330 (very poor)Gurugram: 209 (poor)Greater Noida: 250 (poor)Noida: 269 (poor)Faridabad: 166 (moderate)Pollution increases after DiwaliAlthough firecrackers were banned in Delhi on Diwali, people in many areas violated this ban, which adversely affected the air quality. Despite this, the air quality did not reach the 'severe' category due to light winds blowing for a few days. But as soon as the winds slowed down, the pollution level increased rapidly.Measures to tackle pollutionThe Delhi government has taken several steps to tackle air pollution, such as a temporary ban on construction work, sprinkling of water and efforts to reduce dust on the road. Also, the government has advised people to avoid non-essential travel and stay indoors. Apart from this, plans are also being made to curb the number of vehicles in view of the pollution situation.Along with these efforts to protect the health of the citizens of Delhi, people also need to make personal efforts to reduce pollution.