Delhi Air Quality Improves from Very Poor to Poor Category Despite Persistent Smog Conditions

Delhi government is actively monitoring pollution levels and implementing appropriate measures to combat air pollution.

New Delhi:

The national capital experienced a marginal improvement in air quality on Sunday morning as the Air Quality Index (AQI) transitioned from the 'very poor' to 'poor' category, according to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data. Delhi recorded an AQI of 269 at 7 am, showing improvement from Saturday's 4 pm reading of 305.

Despite this slight improvement, ITO and numerous other areas across New Delhi remained blanketed in toxic smog. Shadipur registered the highest AQI at 335, with Jahangirpuri (324), Nehru Nagar (319), RK Puram (307), and the Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences in Dilshad Garden (303) all continuing to fall within the 'very poor' category. Conversely, Mandir Marg recorded the lowest AQI among major monitoring stations at 158, placing it in the 'moderate' range.

Regions categorized as 'poor' (201-300) included Bawana (295), Sirifort (293), Rohini (291), Vivek Vihar (289), DTU (285), Burari Crossing (283), Mundka (283), Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range (282), Dwarka Sector 8 (281), Chandni Chowk (281), Patparganj (280), Wazirpur (281), Anand Vihar (281), Sonia Vihar (277), Narela (276), Ashok Vihar (275), ITO (269), JLN Stadium (269), Punjabi Bagh (265), Pusa (263), and SRRI Mathura Road (262).

Amidst the concerning air quality, Delhi government officials stated they are closely monitoring pollution levels and implementing appropriate daily measures to reduce pollution. However, the ongoing crisis has ignited political controversy, with Senior Congress leader Sandeep Dixit severely criticizing the government's response to the situation.

Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Dikshit claimed that the worsening pollution effectively constitutes "murder" of Delhi residents, citing health experts who warn that prolonged exposure to such toxic air significantly reduces life expectancy.

"Delhi's environment has become utterly polluted, and this has increasingly been seen over the last six to seven years. People may measure it in AQI or any other form, but I consider it murder. Doctors have said that those living in Delhi in such an environment will see their life expectancy reduced. It is as simple as slowly poisoning somebody to death, and we are all responsible for this crime," he stated.

Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has also called for a parliamentary debate regarding the deteriorating air quality in the national capital.