The air quality of Delhi-NCR has further slipped to dangerous territory on Friday, and many areas in Delhi have touched the ‘severe’ category of pollution.

Respiratory-related illness has increased. Since last one week, the air quality has been very poor and today at 9:00 am AQI recorded is 370. As per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), AQI levels have gradually increased this week — it was 351 on Monday, 374 on Tuesday, and 392 on Wednesday.

Eighteen prominent places in Delhi have registered AQI readings above 400. This includes Chandni Chowk, Anand Vihar, Mundka, Bawana, Narela, DTU and Wazirpur. These places have touched dangerous levels.

What are the sources of pollution?

As per the Ministry of Earth Sciences’ Air Quality Early Warning System, Delhi will remain in the ‘very poor’ and ‘severe’ air quality category for the next six days, and the key sources of pollution are:

1. 17.3% of PM2.5 is from vehicular emissions

2. 2.8% is contributed by stubble burning

3. Although this year the farm fires have reduced significantly — there are 16 in Punjab, 11 in Haryana, and 115 in Uttar Pradesh — other background pollution has increased.

Have respiratory cases increased in Delhi?

Doctors from AIIMS, New Delhi, have termed the air crisis in Delhi as a “public health emergency”, and shared that there has been a 10–15% increase in respiratory cases, majorly due to pollution. Dr Anant Mohan from AIIMS warned that pollution in Delhi-NCR is life-threatening and it is affecting the brain, heart, mental health, and has proved to cut life expectancy. There has been an increase in cases of breathlessness, wheezing, burning eyes, and worsening COPD — many are needing ventilator support.

Doctors have cautioned that one cannot solely rely on masks and air purifiers due to limited individual protection.

A survey has revealed that almost 80 per cent households in Delhi-NCR have at least one member sick due to toxic air. Around 36% of families have reported more than four members experiencing symptoms like persistent cough, headaches, burning eyes, congestion, and aggravated asthma.

What did the Supreme Court say on Delhi air pollution?

Looking at the worsening air quality, the Supreme Court has asked CAQM to reconsider school sports events that are scheduled for November–December. Concerned over children’s exposure, the Court even compared the current air conditions to “training in gas chambers.” The Court has ordered states to strictly follow the rule of avoiding stubble burning.

With each passing day, anger and frustration is increasing among children and parents. People are protesting at India Gate and Jantar Mantar against the poor enforcement and lack of long-term planning to control air pollution in Delhi-NCR.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store – https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share