Poor air quality and smog pose challenges for Delhiites

New Delhi: Delhi’s pollution levels and air quality have hit the headlines across the world. Besides this, the first dense fog of the season on Wednesday further deteriorated the situation in the national capital, dipping the visibility to almost zero; commuters faced a lot of difficulty. Driving became a challenge in this poor visibility. Some of the areas were completely hidden due to thick fog in the city.

The air quality of Delhi has been continuously worsening, with an AQI of 361 recorded on Wednesday. Since October 30, the air quality of the city is in the ‘poor category.’ According to the Central Pollution Control Board, the AQI in Anand Vihar was recorded at 395 in the ‘very poor’ category, followed by ITO at 374 and Jahangirpuri at 384, as of 7:30 am.

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The city turned dark in the morning due to a blanket of smog. A cyclist near India Gate said that he had to cut short his journey amid an increase in pollution. He said, “I come here to cycle daily. However, I had to stop cycling for some time due to no visibility and a high level of pollution in the city. It is getting difficult to breathe.

A senior citizen said that he and his grandchildren are suffering from throat infections as well as breathing problems due to poor air quality. “We are facing a lot of problems. I am a senior citizen. My grandchildren are also suffering from problems while going to school. We are having breathing issues, irritation in the eyes, and throat pain.

As per the CPCB, the primary pollutant in Delhi was PM10, which comprises tiny solid or liquid particles suspended in the air that can be dangerous for our lungs. Dust, pollen, mold, vehicle emissions, and industrial discharges are responsible for the increase of PM10 in the environment.