Delhi pollution: AQI remains ‘very poor;’ toxic foam in Yamuna persists | WATCH

New Delhi: As winter draws near, a thin layer of smog has enveloped the national capital, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi remaining in the "very poor" category. On Monday morning, the AQI was recorded above 300 in several areas, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

Toxic foam in Yamuna river

In addition to the air pollution, toxic foam floating on the Yamuna River has been persisting for some time, indicating high pollution levels in the waterway.

Alarmingly high AQI readings

At around 7:00 am on Monday, the AQI readings were alarming, with New Moti Bagh at 400, RK Puram at 393, Dwarka Sector 8 also at 393, and ITO at 349—all classified as "very poor." Vivek Vihar reported an AQI of 421, while Ashok Vihar reached 409, putting both in the "severe" category.

The AQI levels are categorised as follows: "poor" (200-300), "very poor" (301-400), "severe" (401-450), and "severe plus" (450 and above).

Ashish, a tourist recently arrived from Mumbai, expressed his distress over the pollution, stating, "Yesterday I came from Mumbai to Delhi. Right now the old people are facing a lot of issues. They are facing breathing issues. We cannot even see the sunrise because of the smog. This is a serious problem and we need to address it".

Local resident Manoj Kumar added, "People are facing a lot of issues due to pollution. The only thing we can do to protect ourselves is not to get out of their homes, especially those who have low immunity," said Manoj Kumar, a resident of Delhi.

Anand Vihar hit hard

Anand Vihar, home to a terminal for interstate buses, continues to suffer from severe pollution, with an AQI of 433. Delhi Chief Minister Atishi highlighted that the primary cause of poor air quality in this area is the influx of buses from Uttar Pradesh, emphasising the need for discussions with the UP government.

Calls for action from officials

Environment Minister Gopal Rai echoed these concerns, stating that emissions from these buses are significantly increasing pollution levels in Delhi. He urged the UP government to implement water sprinkling measures at the Kaushambi bus depot to help mitigate the problem.

"The pollution level in Delhi is in the 'poor' category. But the pollution level in Anand Vihar has been at a very high level.Anand Vihar is Delhi's bus terminal and the Kaushambi bus terminal is right opposite to it. Diesel buses are coming here in huge numbers from Uttar Pradesh. The smoke from those buses is doubling the pollution in Delhi... I request the UP government to conduct water sprinkling in the Kaushambi bus depot... We can bring a solution with joint effort," Rai told reporters.

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