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Delhi Records Worst Air Quality In Country; Pollution Level Turns ‘Severe’ In More Areas
Delhi witnessed the most severe air quality in the nation on Wednesday, with pollution levels reaching ‘severe’ in a higher number of areas than the previous day.
A thick layer of smog enveloped the Delhi-National Capital Region throughout the day, leading to a deterioration in air quality.
Delhi recorded the highest 24-hour average air quality index at 364, followed by Dausa in Rajasthan with 316 and Ghaziabad with 305, according to CPCB data.
Areas like Anand Vihar, Bawana, Jahangirpuri, and Vivek Vihar in Delhi fell under the ‘severe’ category. In contrast, Faridabad, Noida, Gurugram, Meerut, and Greater Noida had ‘poor’ air quality.
Air quality is divided into four stages: Poor, Very Poor, Severe, and Severe Plus, based on the AQI levels.
PM2.5 levels rose to 157 micrograms per cubic meter, well above the acceptable standard of 40 micrograms per cubic meter.
With the worsening air quality, respiratory issues surged by 30-40%, particularly affecting children and the elderly, prompting health experts to advise minimizing dust exposure.
The deteriorating air quality has led to discussions on combating pollution, including cloud seeding to induce rain as a preventive measure.
The city’s pollution woes have also sparked blame games and demands for accountability, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the environmental crisis.
Experts predict a further rise in pollution levels in the coming weeks, urging immediate action to curb the hazardous impact on public health.