Delhi Air Quality: The air quality in the national capital took a turn for the worse on Sunday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 352, placing it firmly in the very poor category, as reported by the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR). This marks a significant deterioration from Saturdays average AQI of 255, classified as poor.The situation was particularly severe in Anand Vihar, where the AQI soared past 400, reaching 405 by 7 AM, categorizing it as severe. In other areas, the AQI at Akshardham Temple registered at 261, while the Indira Gandhi International Airport reported an AQI of 324, both classified as very poor. The city was blanketed by a thick layer of smog, further compounding health concerns.Public response to air quality crisisResidents expressed their distress over the deteriorating air quality. Himanshu, a visitor to Delhi, described the experience as suffocating. He remarked, It feels suffocating due to pollution... The government should look into what can be done to reduce pollution.A local cyclist echoed these concerns, highlighting the impact on daily life. We cant breathe properly we get tired faster due to the pollution. We take precautions like wearing a bandana, but nothing is working because the pollution is increasing, he said. He urged the government to encourage public transportation and carpooling as effective measures.Delhi govt imposes a ban on firecrackers ahead of DiwaliWith the festival of lights approaching, the Delhi government has implemented a ban on firecrackers until January 1 in an effort to mitigate pollution levels. Meanwhile, toxic foam continues to plague the Yamuna River in the Kalindi Kunj area, igniting political tensions. BJP leader Shazia Ilmi criticized the Delhi government for its ineffective management of pollution, especially concerning the toxic foam affecting residents health.Ilmi stated, The public of Delhi is not able to breathe... Toxic foam is floating on the Yamuna River. In response, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai condemned the BJP, asserting that collaborative efforts are essential to combat the pollution crisis.
