Pollution Concerns Rise in Delhi
Environmental Challenges and Political Tensions
In Gurugram, Haryana, the air quality index (AQI) has reached 280, categorizing it as poor. Thick smog was observed in various parts of the city. Environmentalist Vimlendu Jha highlighted stubble burning as a major contributor to the pollution increase. He noted that local sources like dust and vehicular emissions also play significant roles. Jha emphasized the need for state and central governments to collaborate on solutions, as road dust and public vehicles each contribute 30% to pollution. He warned that conditions might worsen with the upcoming Diwali and winter season.
Current AQI Levels
| Location | AQI | Category |
|---|---|---|
| Gurgaon | 192 | Unhealthy |
| Katghar, Moradabad | 114 | Moderate |
Meanwhile, toxic foam has been seen floating on the Yamuna River in Delhi, sparking political controversy. BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla criticized the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and its leader Arvind Kejriwal for failing to address the pollution issues. Poonawalla accused Kejriwal of misusing funds meant for cleaning the Yamuna River and challenged him to take a dip in the polluted waters. The overall AQI in Delhi remains at 280, indicating poor air quality.
Doubts Revealed
AQI -: AQI stands for Air Quality Index. It is a number used to communicate how polluted the air currently is or how polluted it is forecast to become. The higher the AQI value, the greater the level of air pollution and the greater the health concern.
Stubble burning -: Stubble burning is the practice of setting fire to the straw stubble that remains after grains, like rice and wheat, have been harvested. This is often done by farmers to clear the field quickly for the next crop, but it causes a lot of air pollution.
Environmentalists -: Environmentalists are people who are concerned about protecting the environment. They work to find ways to reduce pollution and conserve natural resources to keep the planet healthy.
Toxic foam -: Toxic foam is a harmful frothy substance that can form on water bodies like rivers due to pollution. It is often caused by chemicals and waste being dumped into the water, making it unsafe for humans and animals.
Yamuna River -: The Yamuna River is one of the major rivers in India. It flows through several states, including Delhi, and is considered sacred by many people. However, it is also heavily polluted, especially in urban areas.
BJP -: BJP stands for Bharatiya Janata Party, which is one of the two major political parties in India. It is a national party that often competes with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Delhi.
AAP -: AAP stands for Aam Aadmi Party, a political party in India. It was founded in 2012 and is known for its focus on anti-corruption and governance issues. Arvind Kejriwal is the leader of AAP and the Chief Minister of Delhi.
Gurgaon -: Gurgaon, now officially known as Gurugram, is a city located near Delhi in the state of Haryana. It is known for its modern infrastructure and is a major financial and industrial hub.
Moradabad -: Moradabad is a city in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India. It is known for its brass handicrafts and is often referred to as the ‘Brass City’.
