The System of Air Quality Forecasting and Research (SAFAR-India) reported that the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) for Delhi was recorded at 410 on Sunday, down from 504 on Saturday, marking the fourth consecutive day that the air quality remained in the “Severe” category. SAFAR-India data indicates that the air quality in the Delhi University area is 456 (Severe), while it was recorded at 385 (Very Poor) in the Lodhi Road area.
An early-morning stroller in Lodhi Garden reported breathing difficulties brought on by an increase in pollution.
“The situation of pollution is extremely poor. It is difficult to breathe these days. Several people used to come to Lodhi Garden earlier, but now only 10% of people are coming here. Pollution is at its maximum this year,” Manohar Lal said.
Another person, Ajay, said that the pollution is causing a burning sensation in the eyes.
“The situation of pollution is such that we are experiencing a burning sensation in our eyes. The situation was better earlier, but now it is getting worse,” he added.
A similar situation was recorded in Noida, as air quality plunged to the’severe’ category with AQI at 466, as per SAFAR-India.
Gurugram’s air quality was classified as “Very Poor” with an AQI of 392. Doctors advise that a healthy person’s AQI should be less than 50, but these days, it has risen above 400, which puts people at risk of lung cancer and could be fatal for those with lung-related illnesses. In a letter, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai asked Union Minister Bhupender Yadav to forbid cars from neighboring states in the Delhi-NCR from entering Delhi if they did not comply with BS-VI standards.