Smog envelopes National Capital as AQI remains in ‘very poor’ category

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoking stage two of the anti-pollution plan GRAP

New Delhi: A thick layer of smog enveloped the national capital on Wednesday morning as the Air Quality Index (AQI) registered at 354 remaining in the “very poor”. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoking stage two of the anti-pollution plan GRAP. Smog was seen in several parts of the national capital including India Gate, Aerocity, Lodhi Road, AIIMS, and Akshardham Temple.

As per real time air qulaity data provided by System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) the air quality with AQI at 354 was recorded around 7 am.

“The pollution has increased more in the last two days. We also have to miss our morning walks sometimes… The issues related to breathing have become common… It is necessary to stop this and precautionary measures need to be taken before the diseases increase… The stubble burning is the reason, there is also vehicular pollution… The situation will further deteriorate after Diwali..,” said a local at Lodhi Road.

Describing the problems faced due to the poor air quality, Dharmraj, a regular cyclist on Kartavya Path, said, “We come here for cycling daily. But we are now facing some problems because of the pollution. Today, the throat is hurting, there is irritation in the eyes. The chest is also feeling uneasy… All the leaders and the politicians have to look at this problem. They have to come up with a solution.”

Another resident of Delhi’s ITO area, Prasad, said, ” There is a lot of pollution before Diwali. The people of Delhi are facing a lot of problems due to the pollution. The government should take adequate measures; they should use water cannons. The on-ground solution is required.”

“As per the dynamic model and forecasts for weather/meteorological conditions and air quality provided by IMD/IITM, there is a likelihood of the daily average AQI of Delhi remaining in the ‘very poor’ category (AQI 301-400) in the coming days due to unfavourable meteorological and climatic conditions,” according to a Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change release.