New Delhi: The air quality of Delhi NCR has dipped further due to stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana, leading to several health problems such as respiratory issues, coughing, fever, and so on a few days before Diwali. As per the information given by the meteorological department, the winds are now moving in the northwest direction. The effect of stubble burning is visible in Delhi. All departments have been put on alert mode with the increase in pollution levels.
Delhi’s air quality has reached a ‘very poor’ category state as the AQI touched over 330 in most areas of the national capital on Thursday morning. As per the data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) on Thursday at 7am, the AQI at Anand Vihar was recorded at (392), Ashok Vihar (350), IGI airport T3 (334), ITO Delhi (324), RK Puram (359), Okhla Phase-2 (322), Ashok Vihar (350), and Dwaraka-Sector 8 (348), all falling in the very poor category.
Doctors and other medical professionals are advising people to avoid outdoor activities and stop morning and evening walks till the pollution levels dip and air quality improves. Delhi’s environment minister, Gopal Rai, has expressed concerns over the rising pollution in the national capital.
Medical experts said that particulate matter settles close to the ground during the early morning hours due to the absence of wind. As a result, people who go for early morning walks end up inhaling concentrated pollution instead of fresh air. Moreover, the increased oxygen demand during morning exercise leads to deeper inhalation, which increases the intake of pollutants. These harmful particles are dangerous for health.
