New Delhi: Delhi’s pollution levels have been rising with every passing year. Despite a drop in stubble burning in Haryana and Punjab in 2024, as per the report by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) released on Monday. It revealed that Delhi’s average PM 2.5 levels had gone up to 104.7 micrograms per cubic meter in 2024; it is 3.4 higher than in 2023. This level is twice the national annual standard fixed at 40 micrograms per cubic meter.
It is notable that the pollution levels have been increasing in the Delhi-NCR in spite of a 71% drop in stubble burning cases during the months from October to December. The study made it clear that pollution levels remained very high in the previous year; average PM levels jumped sharply compared to 2023.
The poor air quality led to several health issues, especially for children and the elderly. Several diseases, such as respiratory issues, lung disease, vomiting, coughing, and pollution-related diseases, are on the rise. People are standing in queues in different hospitals for the treatment. Many patients have to be admitted to the hospitals because of deteriorating conditions of the patients.
Although the air quality of the national capital has been worsening, it remains in the ‘very poor’ category for the second successive day. Despite light showers in some parts of the city, things didn’t improve much. The Air Quality Index (AQI) was 308 at 8 am today, as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
