Delhi Reels Under ‘Very Poor’ AQI, Residents Concerned About Rising Health Risks

New Delhi: The air quality in the national capital continued to remain under the “very poor” category on Wednesday (November 10) with the Air Quality Index (AQI) standing at 382, as per the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR). “AQI today remains in ‘Very Poor’ category. Winds coming from the north west direction at 925millibars (mb) have slowed down but are favourable for transport of stubble related pollutants to Delhi”, said SAFAR, the forecasting body under the Ministry of Earth Sciences.

However, its impact on Delhi’s PM2.5 is reducing gradually. Today’s share of crop residue burning is 27 per cent in PM2.5. AQI is likely to improve further but remains in the very poor category due to partially cloudy conditions and shallow mixing layer height, it added.

Also Read: In Times Of COVID-19, Health Experts Red Flag The Impact Of Worsening Air Pollution

Due to persistent pollution in Delhi’s air, the residents of the national capital complained about rising health problems. Payal Sakariya, a cyclist from Sarita Vihar Delhi , “Living in Delhi is like living in pollution. Cannot escape that. Pollution is less this year and from last 2-3 days, it is gradually decreasing. Congestion, nose block, breathlessness are a few symptoms that I face but it is better to stay outside than to remain home.”

She said that number of cyclists in Delhi has also decreased due to the rise in pollution levels. I noticed more than usual cyclers the day before yesterday. As an individual, I do carpool and do not burn crackers. But the government should take measures to control the situation, she added.

Laxmi Narayan, another resident observed that pollution is causing more problems for senior citizens as they are at a higher risk of contracting diseases. Pollution has slightly decreased from last 2-3 days. A city like Delhi is extremely polluted and after Diwali, it always increases. The Court, Government and other agencies have been repeatedly telling people to reduce pollution, but nobody listens. It is very difficult for senior citizens as they are at a higher risk of contracting diseases, he said.

I think the major reason behind increasing pollution at this time is stubble burning, cracker burning and inadequate rains. Both Delhi and the Central Government should work together to control the pollution. Due to the use of CNG as a fuel in vehicles, they do not contribute much to pollution,  added Mr Narayan.

Also Read: Delhi Pollution Off The Charts After Diwali, Itchy Throat, Watery Eyes

Saurabh from Delhi Elite cyclist group said, The AQI here is over 300 so we have come outside today and will do low-intensity activities keeping in view the air quality and pollution. There are a few factors that have spiked pollution in Delhi, such as factories, vehicles, cracker burning, stubble burning, labours are cooking food using wood. The AQI is comparatively better than the last year.”

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

NDTV – Dettol have been working towards a clean and healthy India since 2014 via Banega Swachh India initiative, which is helmed by Campaign Ambassador Amitabh Bachchan. The campaign aims to highlight the inter-dependency of humans and the environment, and of humans on one another with the focus on One Health, One Planet, One Future – Leaving No One Behind. It stresses on the need to take care of, and consider, everyone’s health in India – especially vulnerable communities – the LGBTQ population, indigenous people, India’s different tribes, ethnic and linguistic minorities, people with disabilities, migrants, geographically remote populations, gender and sexual minorities. In wake of the current COVID-19 pandemic, the need for WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) is reaffirmed as handwashing is one of the ways to prevent Coronavirus infection and other diseases. The campaign will continue to raise awareness on the same along with focussing on the importance of nutrition and healthcare for women and children, fight malnutrition, mental wellbeing, self care, science and health, adolescent health & gender awareness. Along with the health of people, the campaign has realised the need to also take care of the health of the eco-system. Our environment is fragile due to human activity,  that is not only over-exploiting available resources, but also generating immense pollution as a result of using and extracting those resources. The imbalance has also led to immense biodiversity loss that has caused one of the biggest threats to human survival – climate change. It has now been described as a “code red for humanity.” The campaign will continue to cover issues like air pollution, waste management, plastic ban, manual scavenging and sanitation workers and menstrual hygiene. Banega Swasth India will also be taking forward the dream of Swasth Bharat, the campaign feels that only a Swachh or clean India where toilets are used and open defecation free (ODF) status achieved as part of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014, can eradicate diseases like diahorrea and the country can become a Swasth or healthy India.