AQI plunges to Severe; People complain of respiratory illness

Residents of Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) complained of choking and “eye burning” as a result of haze and air pollution, which left many gasping for oxygen.

National Capital Region (NCR) Residents alleged that despite the government’s ban, a significant number of cracker sales were made in the Delhi and NCR region. “Despite the government’s restriction, plenty of firecrackers were sold, which caused the post-Diwali situation. Breathing is so tough that I am unable to even breathe. Burning is present in the eyes. Pollution is becoming worse. The government has to be aware of it,” said a resident of Noida.

At 8 am, the national capital’s Air Quality Index (AQI) was 364 (in the “Very Poor” category), and at 7 am, it was 408 (in the “Severe” category). The decline in air quality is attributable to unfavourable weather circumstances with decreased wind speed and a sharp increase in agricultural fire events.

In addition to this, as the city is wracked by pollution, elderly people are complaining of respiratory illnesses.

“As a result of the pollution, we have trouble breathing and have nostril burning. The entire neighbourhood was shrouded in a haze when we arrived for a morning stroll, “a senior citizen stated.

According to data released by SAFAR (System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research) India, the National Capital Region (NCR) experienced poor air quality. Noida, which is a part of the NCR, dropped to an AQI of 393, placing it in the “very poor” category, while Gurugram’s AQI stood at 318 and remained in the “very poor category.”

Another NCR dweller awoke this morning to a heavy blanket of pollution.

“No one complied with the government’s numerous regulations recently during Diwali, despite the ban on fireworks. Many individuals set off firecrackers, “he said.

“I had a sore throat and itchy eyes when I arrived for my morning stroll. The agricultural fires are not being put out by the surrounding states. We are currently starting the winter season, which is adding to the pollution “he added.

The nearby states of Punjab and Haryana are burning stubble, and the inhabitants are grumbling.

“Along with the politicians, we should be answerable to ourselves. Additionally, the burning of stubble causes harm to people “residents of New Delhi remarked.

The school management was unanimously ordered to close the doors until everything was back to normal by the students.

Data from SAFAR show that Dhirpur in Model Town fell to an AQI of 457, which is a threshold at which even healthy individuals might become unwell.

Today, the AQI in the vicinity of IGI Airport (T3) was 346, which is considered to be “Very Poor.” The local AQI reading on Wednesday was 350.

The national capital’s air quality getting worse, and Delhi officials stopped all development and demolition until further instructions.

The Delhi government has been requested by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) to close schools till the air quality is better.