NEW DELHI: Delhi residents are facing dangerously poor air quality for the fourth day in a row. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reports that the Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 406 on Saturday morning, classifying the air quality as ‘severe’.
This level of pollution poses health risks such as breathing problems, eye irritation, and heart issues. A thick layer of smog is visible across the city, as seen in drone footage captured near areas like AIIMS and Pragati Maidan.
“While running, we are getting more tired, we need frequent breaks, there is coughing and the throat is also hurting. We are not able to run longer due to pollution,” said Prateek Jain, a local resident who spoke to ANI while running near India Gate, where the AQI was 414.
The Delhi government has implemented measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-III) to combat the pollution.
These measures include a ban on older vehicles (BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers) and increased road sweeping and water sprinkling.
This situation highlights the ongoing air pollution crisis in Delhi, with GRAP-III being implemented later in the year compared to 2023.