NEW DELHI: Delhi is grappling with a severe air pollution crisis, as smog continues to blanket the city, pushing air quality to “very poor” levels. As of the latest reports, the air quality index (AQI) in many areas, including Anand Vihar, Bawana, and Wazirpur, has reached alarming levels, with some areas recording AQI values between 400 and 450, classified as “severe.” The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has reported an AQI of 371 across Delhi, while surrounding areas like Faridabad and Ghaziabad also recorded poor air quality levels.
The smog has created dangerous visibility conditions, with parts of Delhi covered in a thick haze. Notably, the air pollution is not only affecting residents but also causing health concerns, with doctors advising people, especially children and those with respiratory issues, to avoid outdoor activities. The ongoing air pollution has prompted local authorities to implement measures like night cleaning and road sweeping, and schools have been advised to take extra precautions, including potentially closing for safety.
Authorities are also taking steps to reduce traffic-related pollution, such as introducing staggered working hours for government employees to ease congestion and lower emissions. The situation remains dire, with calls for more stringent actions to curb the worsening pollution levels.
