Breathing Problems Surge as Delhi's Air Quality Stays 'Very Poor'
Key Highlights:
-Delhi's AQI hits 'very poor' level at 362, residents face breathing difficulties.
-Supreme Court orders truck checkpoints to curb pollution in Delhi.
-Delhi government urged to enforce GRAP to combat worsening air quality.
On Sunday, residents of the national capital reported struggling with breathing difficulties as Delhi's air quality remained in the 'very poor' category.
As of 8 am on Sunday, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) recorded the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi at 362, with the city shrouded in a dense layer of smog.
According to data from the CPCB, the AQI readings in various areas were as follows: 399 in Vivek Vihar, 403 in Nehru Nagar, 317 in ITO, and 349 in Chandni Chowk.
In Agra, the iconic Taj Mahal looked ethereal amid a thin layer of smog.
AQI was measured as 139 falling in the 'moderate' category as per CPCB data recorded at 8 am.
An individual told ANI, "People must stay indoors and take necessary precautions to safeguard their health. Cars should be properly inspected, and stubble burning must be controlled to reduce pollution. This has negatively affected both adults and children. For now, it's best for everyone to stay inside."
Residents reported experiencing breathing difficulties, fever, and other health problems, urging authorities to address the escalating pollution levels with a permanent solution.
Earlier this week, the Supreme Court instructed the Delhi government and police to promptly establish checkpoints at all 113 entry points into Delhi to monitor truck entry into the city. It also appointed 13 members of the Bar as court commissioners to visit these points and confirm whether the truck entry is being restricted.
The Supreme Court expressed dissatisfaction with the enforcement of GRAP IV measures, highlighting that despite orders from the court and the CAQM, the Delhi government and police have failed to adhere to the provisions outlined under GRAP stage IV.
Delhi's Environment Minister, Gopal Rai, has called on Chief Secretary Dharmendra to ensure strict enforcement of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in response to the deteriorating air quality in the capital. Rai emphasized the need for coordinated efforts across all departments to effectively implement the Winter Action Plan-2024 and achieve long-term improvements in air quality.
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel 'PUNJABKESARI.COM' now for all the news of the country and the world. You can also follow us on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM and TWITTER.