Guwahati: The pollution in and around Delhi has reached dangerous levels as the air quality index (AQI) was very poor on Wednesday.
According to the Meteorological Department, the AQI in Delhi today was 354 which is considered to be very poor.
The AQI categories from 301 to 400 are classified as extremely poor and from 401 to 500 as severe, according to the standards established by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
Additionally, according to data from the “SAFAR” air quality data organisation, Anand Vihar’s AQI was recorded today in the severe category at 406 followed by ITO 382 and Akshardham 363.
In order to enhance the air quality in the nation’s capital, a student from ITO named Rameshwari has called for the implementation of “odd-even” vehicle regulations.
Rameshwari said “I am very much concerned to breathe in Delhi nowadays. Vehicular pollution and stubble burning have made Delhi’s air toxic, affecting both the rich and the poor.”
Since the pollution reached the city around a fortnight ago, residents of Delhi and the national capital region (NCR) have been breathing in the deadly air.
“We face the same thing in the winter every year. This time crackers were sold in black and were burst in plenty. Now the toxic air is affecting everyone, especially the aged persons”, said Rajkumar, who works at Gulab Bhavan, ITO.
Rinki Yadav, who came to Nehru Park for a walk, said “I am feeling irritation in my eyes. My children also feel uneasiness in breathing due to pollution. Both the Central and Delhi governments should make a concrete policy to curb pollution. For the time being, they should at least spray water on the streets to do away with the dust particles in the air.”
Kamaldeep Singh, a resident of Rajouri Garden, who came to Nehru Park for a morning stroll, too voiced his concern on the deteriorating air quality in the nation’s capital.
Kamaldeep Singh said “I am feeling sore in my throat and acute irritation in my eyes. Kids and aged people nowadays are avoiding going on walks due to severe air pollution. Government should spray water on the streets and stop all construction works in Delhi to improve the air quality a bit.”