Delhi Struggles with Severe Air Quality as Winter Approaches

As winter approaches, a thick layer of smog has settled over Delhi, causing the air quality index (AQI) to remain in the “very poor” category. On Monday morning, the AQI was recorded above 300 in various parts of the national capital, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

AQI Readings Across the Capital

At around 7 AM, several areas reported alarming AQI levels. New Moti Bagh recorded an AQI of 400, RK Puram at 393, Dwarka Sector 8 at 393, and ITO at 349, all indicating “very poor” air quality. Meanwhile, Vivek Vihar showed an AQI of 421, and Ashok Vihar reached 409, categorizing the air quality as “severe.”

Understanding the AQI Categories

To clarify the levels of air quality:

• 200-300: Poor
• 301-400: Very Poor
• 401-450: Severe
• Above 450: Severe Plus

Concerns from Residents and Tourists

Tourists and locals alike have expressed their concerns about the deteriorating air quality. Ashish, a tourist from Mumbai, voiced his distress, stating, “Yesterday I came from Mumbai to Delhi. Right now, the old people are facing a lot of issues. They are facing breathing issues. We cannot even see the sunrise because of the smog. This is a serious problem and we need to address it.”

Local resident Manoj Kumar echoed similar sentiments, saying, “People are facing a lot of issues due to pollution. The only thing we can do to prevent ourselves is not get out of their homes, especially those who have low immunity.”

Anand Vihar: The Most Affected Area

Anand Vihar, a major terminal for interstate buses, continues to be severely impacted by pollution, with an AQI level reaching 433, placing it in the “severe” category. Delhi Chief Minister Atishi highlighted that the influx of buses from Uttar Pradesh is a significant contributor to the area’s poor air quality, emphasizing the need for discussions with the UP government.

Government’s Response and Solutions

Environment Minister Gopal Rai also addressed the situation, pointing out that the diesel buses coming from Uttar Pradesh are “doubling the pollution” in Delhi. He requested the UP government to implement water sprinkling at the Kaushambi bus depot to mitigate the pollution. Rai remarked, “The pollution level in Delhi is in the ‘poor’ category. But the pollution level in Anand Vihar has been at a very high level. Diesel buses are coming here in huge numbers from Uttar Pradesh. The smoke from those buses is doubling the pollution in Delhi… I request the UP government to conduct water sprinkling in the Kaushambi bus depot. We can bring a solution with joint effort.”