Delhi Pollution Update: AQI in city drops to 226; residents are facing respiratory problems
A thin layer of smog enveloped the national capital on Saturday as the Air Quality Index dropped to 226, classified as ‘poor’ according to the Central Pollution Control Board.
The highest AQI was in Akshardham and Anand Vihar area at 334 categorized as ‘Very Poor’, followed by AQI of 253 in and around AIIMS.
At India Gate, the AQI dropped to 251, classified as ‘Poor.
A resident, Ashish Kumar Meena said that the pollution near Akshardham area has increased significantly in the past two days which has been causing problems for the residents.
Speaking to ANI, he said “The level of pollution here has increased significantly in the past two days. It has caused choking and breathing problems and it has also been causing irritation to the eyes. After Diwali, the pollution levels will increase further. The government needs to take steps to control the level of pollution. People who burn things in fire should be fined.” Those with breathing problems must suffer more.
Another resident said that people should use public transport more which will help reduce pollution.
“People should use public transport more and try to use carpooling, this can help reduce the level of pollution in the city,” he said.
On 18 October, Bharattiya Janata National Party spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla came to the ‘Smog Tower’ to protest the same. Slamming the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), the BJP leader said Arvind Kejriwal had cheated people in the national capital in the name of air pollution and now their health is at risk.
“Today Delhi has become a gas house because of the alleged politics of Aam Aadmi Party. They have made big promises to make Delhi pollution free. Look at the situation in Yamuna today and Delhi has become a gas house. Aam Aadmi Party bans fireworks on Diwali but the smoke tower on which Rs 23 was spent crore locked up… The way Aam Aadmi Party has deceived people in the name of pollution and is working to make Delhi a toxic and polluted city, this will be exposed,” said Poonawalla.
