Delhi Chokes On Smog; AQI Crosses 490 In Some Areas
Most parts of Delhi are currently witnessing a reading of above 450 of 500 on the Air Quality Index.
India's capital city is being smothered by a toxic smog that has shrouded even views of the Taj Mahal located in Agra in the neighbouring state of Uttar Pradesh.
Most parts of Delhi are currently witnessing a reading of above 450 of 500 on the Air Quality Index. Some like Chandni Chowk and Mandir Marg were at or above 490 at 10 p.m., shows the website of the Central Pollution Control Board. A reading between 401 to 500 is the most severe and "affects healthy people and seriously impacts those with existing diseases" as per the CPCB.
National Air Quality Index, CPCB website
National Air Quality Index, CPCB website
Delhi's air pollution crisis intensifies every winter, exacerbated by stubble burning in nearby states.
The CPCB has warned citizens to prepare for emergency measures - stopping all construction work, curtail outdoor activities, reduce vehicle usage and even shut down schools if necessary.
Measures under the emergency category are implemented when the PM 2.5 level is 300 µg/m3 or more, and PM 10 concentration is 500 µg/m3 or more, for 48 hours or above, reports the Indian Express. According to the minutes of the sub-committee meeting, PM 10 and PM 2.5 levels crossed this threshold at 3 a.m. and 1 a.m. respectively on Friday, the news report said.
People walk along an under construction overpass in New Delhi shrouded in smog. (Photographer: Prashanth Vishwanathan/Bloomberg)
Vehicles travel along a national highway shrouded in smog in New Delhi. (Photographer: Prashanth Vishwanathan/Bloomberg)
A worker holds a sign requesting motorists to turn off their engines while waiting at a traffic signal in New Delhi. (Photographer: Prashanth Vishwanathan/Bloomberg)
Several citizens took to social media to share health concerns and express frustration at the recurring problem.