Delhi-NCR faces air quality crisis as winter approaches

As winter approaches, residents of Delhi-NCR are greeted by hazy skies and falling temperatures, signalling the return of colder nights and the need for masks.

The air quality in the Capital has deteriorated significantly, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) hitting 292, placing it in the ‘poor’ category. Several areas have reported AQI levels categorised as ‘very poor’.

The forecast indicates that early morning temperatures are expected to drop to around 20°C, with maximum temperatures ranging from 33 to 34°C over the next few days. However, the combination of cooling weather and worsening air quality has led to increasing health concerns among residents.

Local residents are feeling the effects of the pollution, with many reporting respiratory discomfort. One resident shared, “There’s a burning sensation in my eyes and a scratchy throat. This is happening because of pollution, and it occurs every year. To protect yourself, wear a mask.” Another echoed the sentiment, saying, “I’m having some throat discomfort because of the smog. The pollution is increasing slightly.”

In light of the alarming air quality, BJP leader Shehzad Poonawalla also visited the Capital’s ‘smog tower’ on Friday wearing a gas mask to draw attention to the ongoing pollution crisis.

“Today, Delhi has become a gas chamber due to the blame game politics of the Aam Aadmi Party,” he stated, criticising the government for failing to deliver on its promise to make the city pollution free. Poonawalla pointed to the deteriorating condition of the Yamuna as evidence of neglect.

“The smog tower, on which Rs 23 crore was spent, is locked, while the AAP bans firecrackers on Diwali,” he added, highlighting perceived inconsistencies in the government’s approach to tackling pollution.