Delhi AQI Update: Capital chokes as air quality touches 497; residents report breathing, eye problems

Delhi AQI Update: Delhiites on Sunday expressed deep concern over the deteriorating air quality as the city's AQI remained in the 'severe' category. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the national capital's AQI rose to 497 on December 14.

Residents Report Breathing Difficulties, Eye Irritation

Due to rising pollution levels, locals reported experiencing breathing difficulties, eye irritation and other health problems. Many residents also expressed concern for vulnerable groups, including the elderly and children, who are more susceptible to respiratory problems.

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Locals Voice Health Concerns

A resident of Jalgaon, Suresh, highlighted the importance of clean air for health and well-being, while speaking to ANI.

"Good air quality and a clean environment are very important for a healthy life. For a healthy life, the AQI should be around 100-120, but in Delhi, it is mostly over 300. The elderly and young children face a lot of difficulties because of this," Suresh said.

Call for Stricter Measures, Odd-Even Scheme Suggested

Harsh Vardhan, another resident of Dwarka, told ANI that he is facing difficulty in breathing due to the rising air pollution and urged the government to take strict measures.

"Pollution has only increased. I am having difficulty breathing. The government should take stronger measures. It is good that GRAP 4 has been invoked in the national capital. I suggest the 'odd-even' scheme should also be implemented," he said.

Dense Smog Persists Despite GRAP IV

Despite the implementation of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) IV in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR), dense fog enveloped the national capital today as pollution levels soared.

Bawana Worst Hit; AQI Nears Upper Limit

At 7 am, Bawana recorded the highest AQI of 497, putting it in the 'severe' category. Narela recorded an AQI of 492, and Okhla Phase 2 recorded an AQI of 474. According to the CPCB, the AQI, which ranges from 0 to 500, is divided into six categories, each of which reflects the level of pollution and the health risks associated with it. According to the AQI classification, readings between 0-50 are classified as 'good', 51-100 as 'satisfactory', 101-200 as 'moderate', 201-300 as 'poor', 301-400 as 'very poor' and 401-500 as 'severe'.

Schools Shift to Hybrid Mode Amid Pollution Spike

In view of severe pollution, the Delhi government's Directorate of Education on Saturday directed that classes for classes 9 and 11 in schools be conducted in hybrid mode. The decision was taken after the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) implemented the fourth phase of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) as the AQI level inched closer to the 'severe' level.

With ANI Inputs