The air quality in Delhi deteriorated drastically as the air quality index (AQI) crossed the 400 mark on Sunday, two days after Diwali, pushing it into the hazardous category.
A thick layer of pollution blankets the city, and AQI readings reveal a critical situation for residents' health.
Delhi’s AQI surged from 327 to 447 within 12 hours on Saturday night. While most areas of the city reported very poor or hazardous air quality, regions like Anand Vihar recorded AQIs above 500 on Sunday morning.
On Sunday morning, the AQI levels across various locations in Delhi reflected a concerning trend. Anand Vihar recorded an extremely hazardous AQI of 532, while Alipur and Punjabi Bagh also faced hazardous conditions with levels of 318 and 381, respectively. Narela showed a slightly better but still concerning reading of 295, categorised as very poor.
Meanwhile, RK Puram and Bawana continued to experience hazardous air quality, with AQI levels of 329 and 382, respectively. This data highlights the significant air pollution challenges that the city is currently facing.
A Delhi resident, Ashim Basne, attributed a significant portion of the pollution to stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana. "If we only look at Delhi, vehicular and construction pollution are not the major contributors. It's the stubble burning from neighbouring states that, worsens our air," he said.
"Children are facing health issues, with coughing becoming common. But if stubble burning could be stopped, I don’t think Delhi residents would face this much trouble," he added.
Sanjay, another Delhi resident, expressed frustration while on his morning walk. "Pollution has caused throat irritation, this is the biggest problem. We check the AQI before deciding to go for a walk," he shared. "Though it’s not affecting our eyes yet, we feel it in our throats. The air seems slightly better in the afternoon sun, but stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana adds to our difficulties."
Residents are urging the government to take decisive steps, particularly regarding stubble burning, to curb pollution. Additionally, they are calling for a consistent clean-up effort for the Yamuna River, stressing that regular maintenance could improve conditions.
‘Survey on Assam’s disputed border areas with Meghalaya, Arunachal to be completed in 6 months’
Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan on Thursday reviewed the progress of inter-state border agreements signed between Assam-Meghalaya and Assam-Arunachal Pradesh to resolve their decades-old boundary disputes, officials said here.
Looking forward to working closely together once again, PM Modi tells Trump
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday in a telephonic conversation with US President-elect Donald Trump said that he is looking forward to working closely together once again with the Republican Party leader who emerged victorious in the Presidential elections by defeating his Democratic Party rival Kamala Harris.
From Pichai to Bezos, tech leaders look forward to working with Trump
Alphabet and Google CEO Sundar Pichai said on X social media platform that “we are in a golden age of American innovation and are committed to working with his administration to help bring the benefits to everyone”.
PM-Vidyalaxmi scheme a step towards Yuva Shakti empowerment: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday hailed the Union Cabniet’s decision to approve the PM-Vidyalaxmi scheme, saying that it is a step towards Yuva Shakti empowerment.
Musk’s Tesla stock surges 15 pc in early US trade after Trump's win
The stock of Elon Musk-run Tesla soared almost 15 per cent on Wednesday in early trade on Nasdaq (US time), making it one of the biggest winners in the S&P 500 index.
BJP in Tripura achieved 90-95 per cent target of membership: State party in-charge
BJP's Tripura in-charge Rajdeep Roy on Wednesday said that the state party organisation during its ongoing membership enrollment drive has already fulfilled 90 to 95 per cent of its target, adding the BJP has been getting a spontaneous response from the people to become member of the party.
Telugu-origin Usha Chilukuri set to become ‘Second Lady’ of US
The 38-year-old Indian-American lawyer has her roots in Andhra Pradesh and the news of her elevation has already sparked celebrations in Vadluru village in West Godavari district from where her family hails.
Mukhyamantri Samipeshu works as a bridge between Govt, citizens: CM
Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha today said that ‘Mukhyamantri Samipeshu' has been launched with the goal to make the Government more accessible to the common people.