Capital struggles to breathe as AQI nears 500 in several areas

Air quality in Delhi and parts of NCR remained in the ‘severe’ category over the weekend, with AQI readings nearing 500 at several places. Rohini and Wazirpur remained the worst-hit with an AQI of 500 on Saturday, while Shadipur logged the lowest level in the city at 370, according to Sameer app.

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR following the rise in pollution levels.

Delhi battled toxic fumes on Sunday as well as the average AQI stood at 461, placing it in the ‘severe’ category. Several areas recorded AQI levels above 400. Ashok Vihar recorded an AQI of 499, Anand Vihar 492 and Bawana 489, as per the Sameer app.

Pollution levels were also high in neighbouring NCR cities. Noida recorded an AQI of 464 on Sunday, followed by Greater Noida at 436, according to CPCB data.

Experts said weather conditions were contributing to the rising pollution levels. Residents complained about breathing difficulties and irritation in eyes on even short exposure. Doctors issued health advisory amid rising pollution levels.

Dr GC Khilnani, chairman of PSRI Institute of Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine, said he is seeing two types of patients. “Young people without any illness...coming with a very troubling cough, sore throat, running nose...the level of inflammation in the airways is very high,” he said.

“It is very important for everybody to stay at home to the extent possible...If they want to go for a walk, they should use an N95 or N99 mask,” he added.

Interventional cardiologist Dr Atul Mathur from Fortis Escorts Heart Institute also advised to wear light masks and slash outdoor time, especially for people with heart or lung-related issues.

Meanwhile, AAP Delhi president Saurabh Bhardwaj said, “The government has been in power for almost a year. There are no stubble burning incidents in any corner of the country. Despite this, smog is visible inside closed rooms.”

Taking a swipe at the Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Bharadwaj said, “The Delhi CM doesn’t know what AQI is? She says any instrument can measure AQI...What will people of Delhi expect from the Chief Minister for the next 4 years? I think experts should come in front and the Chief Minister should take a step back...”