New Delhi: Delhi is facing a severe air quality crisis, with the average Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 293 on Friday, contributing to hazardous living conditions. Many areas of the national capital now fall into the ‘severe’ pollution category, causing significant health issues such as breathing difficulties among residents.
As reported by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the AQI recorded at 9 a.m. on Friday reveals troubling figures: Faridabad at 194, Gurugram at 196, Ghaziabad at 247, Greater Noida at 296, and Noida at 242. Within Delhi, several locations are seeing AQI levels between 300 and 400, indicating extreme pollution. Critical hotspots include Wazirpur (379), Vivek Vihar (327), Shadipur (337), Rohini (362), Punjabi Bagh (312), Patparganj (344), Narela (312), Mundka (375), Jahangirpuri (354), Dwarka Sector 8 (324), Bawana (339), Anand Vihar (342), and Alipur (307).
Local resident Rahul expressed his concerns regarding the rising pollution levels, noting his distress that government promises to combat air quality issues have repeatedly failed to yield action. He is currently dealing with respiratory challenges, eye irritation, and a sore throat, leading him to wear a mask outdoors. “Pollution has made it extremely hard to breathe,” he stated.
In response to the escalating pollution levels, the Delhi government has enacted the first phase of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-1). Chief Minister Atishi and Environment Minister Gopal Rai held discussions with officials to address the worsening situation. Following their meeting, it was announced that 99 teams would be sent to inspect construction sites for dust control, and various anti-smog guns will be deployed—200 from the Public Works Department, 30 from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, 14 from the NCR Transport Corporation, and 80 from the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation.
Additionally, the government has urged residents to refrain from burning firecrackers and encourages people to report any pollution-related activities via the Green Delhi app.