Delhi’s Air Quality Deteriorates with Smog Covering Indian Capital
Delhi woke up to a thick blanket of smog enveloping the city and toxic foam floating on the Yamuna river on Saturday. The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi reached 273, categorised as “poor” according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board. Specific areas such as Akshardham and Anand Vihar reported an AQI of 334, indicating “very poor” air quality, as per news agency ANI.
Residents like Ashish Kumar Meena, living near Akshardham, expressed concerns about the significant increase in pollution levels. Meena mentioned experiencing throat congestion, breathing difficulties, and eye irritation due to the deteriorating air quality.
The environmental minister of Delhi, Gopal Rai, conducted an emergency meeting with officials to address the worsening environmental conditions in the city. He instructed concerned authorities to investigate the causes behind the poor air quality and highlighted that with the onset of winter, pollution levels are escalating. Rai pointed out that 13 hotspots in Delhi have an AQI exceeding 300.
Reports from environmental agencies, shared with Press of India, revealed that the toxic foam on the Yamuna river contained high levels of ammonia and phosphates, posing severe health risks like respiratory and skin problems to the populace.
In a bid to combat the declining air quality, the Delhi government recently imposed a blanket ban on the manufacturing, sale, storage, and use of all types of firecrackers in the city until the new year. This prohibition precedes the festive season in India, known to aggravate pollution levels in Delhi, resulting in a thick haze over the city.
The hazardous effects of prolonged exposure to heightened pollution levels include discomfort, respiratory issues, skin and eye irritation, along with the potential for critical health conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchitis, reduced lung capacity, emphysema, cancer, and increased mortality rates.
Delhi has grappled with poor air quality during the winter season for years, prompting authorities to frequently implement early school closures to safeguard children. Various pollution sources, including vehicle emissions, dust, and crop stubble burning by farmers in neighbouring states, contribute to the city’s high pollution levels. Low wind speeds exacerbate the situation by trapping pollutants, like those from firecrackers, close to the ground, significantly deteriorating air quality and making breathing challenging.