Delhi’s Air Quality Worsens: Residents Express Concerns
On Friday, Delhi was covered in smog, with the air quality index (AQI) reaching 283 at 8 a.m. Various areas reported poor air quality: Anand Vihar at 218, Punjabi Bagh at 245, India Gate at 276, and Jhilmil Industrial area at 288. An AQI between 201-300 is considered poor.
Shree Krishna, visiting India Gate, noted the rising pollution levels, especially during Diwali and winter. He urged both the government and public to take action, like using public transport. Kalyani Tiwari, a resident, reported breathing issues and headaches due to pollution, calling for river cleaning and government action during upcoming festivals.
Rakesh Kumar expressed concern about post-Diwali pollution, urging government intervention. Another visitor highlighted the lack of coordination between the government and people, stressing the need for strict measures. A resident warned that pollution might soon confine people indoors, criticizing the government’s inaction.
Toxic foam was observed in the Yamuna River, indicating high pollution levels. On October 24, the Public Work Department (PWD) used water sprinkling to combat air pollution. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has implemented Stage II of the GRAP Action Plan, involving daily mechanical/vacuum sweeping and water sprinkling on identified roads.
Doubts Revealed
AQI -: AQI stands for Air Quality Index. It is a number used to tell how clean or polluted the air is. A higher number means the air is more polluted.
Diwali -: Diwali is a popular festival in India, also known as the Festival of Lights. It involves lighting lamps, bursting crackers, and celebrating with family and friends.
Toxic foam -: Toxic foam is harmful bubbles that form on water bodies due to pollution. In the Yamuna River, it is caused by chemicals and waste, making the water unsafe.
Public Work Department -: The Public Work Department is a government department responsible for building and maintaining public infrastructure like roads and bridges. They also help in managing pollution by taking actions like water sprinkling.
Commission for Air Quality Management -: This is a government body in India that looks after air quality. They make plans and take actions to reduce air pollution.
GRAP Action Plan -: GRAP stands for Graded Response Action Plan. It is a set of measures to control air pollution, activated in stages based on the severity of pollution.
