Delhi’s air quality has once again gone very down and slipped into the “very poor” category as the Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 344.
This decline has also come as winter begins to set in, and even the pollution levels have started rising across the city.
The main contributors to the poor air quality are the various kinds of vehicle emissions, the construction dust, and even the crop stubble which are burning in the nearby regions, and the weather conditions that would actually trap pollutants near the ground.
Several areas in Delhi, such as Anand Vihar, Jahangirpuri, and RK Puram, have recorded AQI levels that are actually higher than the city average.
Health experts have recently raised concerns about the growing smog and its impact on people’s health.
They have also warned that prolonged exposure to such polluted air can also cause breathing difficulties, coughing, sore throat, and even serious lung or heart issues.
Children, older adults, and even people with respiratory diseases like asthma are at a higher risk.
In response to all these statements, the Delhi government has begun implementing the measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which includes restrictions on various kinds of construction activities, the idea of increased water sprinkling on roads, and even a ban on burning waste.
Despite all these efforts, pollution levels still tend to remain high, thus indicating that more effective and long-term steps are needed.
People are also being advised to wear masks outdoors, also use air purifiers at home, and even avoid any kind of exercising outside during times of high pollution.
Schools have also issued warnings to all the parents, thus suggesting that children suffering from breathing problems should avoid outdoor activities.
With colder days ahead, experts now also believe that the situation may worsen even before it gets better.
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