Delhi’s Air Quality Worsens: Smog Engulfs City, Residents Concerned
On Saturday, a thin layer of smog covered New Delhi, causing the Air Quality Index (AQI) to drop to 226, which is considered ‘Poor’ by the Central Pollution Control Board. The worst affected areas were Akshardham and Anand Vihar, with an AQI of 334, categorized as ‘Very Poor’. AIIMS and its surroundings recorded an AQI of 253, while India Gate had an AQI of 251, both marked as ‘Poor’.
A resident, Ashish Kumar Meena, expressed concerns about the rising pollution near Akshardham, which has led to throat irritation, breathing issues, and eye discomfort. He urged the government to take action against those burning substances and suggested fines for violators. Another resident recommended using public transport and carpooling to reduce pollution.
On October 18, BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla protested at the ‘Smog Tower’, criticizing the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for failing to address air pollution. He accused AAP of making false promises and turning Delhi into a ‘gas chamber’. Poonawalla highlighted the locked smog tower, on which Rs 23 crore was spent, as an example of AAP’s ineffective measures.
Doubts Revealed
Air Quality Index (AQI) -: The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a number used to tell how clean or polluted the air is. It helps people understand if the air is safe to breathe or if it might cause health problems.
Smog -: Smog is a type of air pollution that looks like a thick fog. It is made up of smoke and other pollutants, and it can make it hard to see and breathe.
Akshardham -: Akshardham is a famous temple in Delhi, known for its beautiful architecture and cultural exhibits. It is a popular place for tourists and locals to visit.
Anand Vihar -: Anand Vihar is an area in Delhi that has a major bus terminal and railway station. It is a busy place with lots of people traveling in and out of the city.
BJP -: BJP stands for Bharatiya Janata Party, which is one of the major political parties in India. They are involved in making decisions and laws for the country.
AAP -: AAP stands for Aam Aadmi Party, another political party in India. They focus on issues like corruption and providing better services to common people.
Smog tower -: A smog tower is a large structure designed to clean the air by removing pollutants. It works like a giant air purifier for the city.