Delhi’s smog stays put even as stubble smoke fades
The 24-hour average Air Quality Index stood at 382, according to the Central Pollution Control Board, driven largely by high PM2.5 levels.
The 24-hour average Air Quality Index stood at 382, according to the Central Pollution Control Board, driven largely by high PM2.5 levels.
The concentration of PM 2.5, the most harmful and fine pollutant, soared to 312 micrograms per cubic metre at 7 a.m., while PM 10 levels touched 422 micrograms per cubic metre.
Amid the ongoing debate over air quality data manipulation, Delhi once again lies shrouded in toxic smog as winter sets in.
Out of Delhi’s 39 air quality monitoring stations, 30 recorded ‘very poor’ air on Wednesday, while six registered ‘severe’ levels.
A thin layer of smog engulfed the national capital on Saturday as the Air Quality Index dropped to 226, categorized as 'Poor' as per the Central Pollution Control Board.
In the Delhi University area and Lodhi Road, the AQI remained in the 'very poor category at 319 and 314 respectively. At Mathura Road, the AQI was in the 'poor' category at 290.
The metropolis cannot be free of pollution unless citizens change their lifestyle, and authorities do their job.
Hospitals in Lucknow, Kanpur, Prayagraj and Agra have already reported a surge in patients with respiratory problems.
Even the main pollutants level has dropped. PM 10 is at 307 in the poor category and PM 2.5 at 221 in the very poor category.
Netizens suggested Bengaluru or Chennai to be made the new Capital of the country as the winter smog and pollution have now become a regular feature of the city.
