Delhi's toxic air: 1 in 7 deaths linked to pollution, breathing woes escalate

Noida (The Uttam Hindu) : Air pollution in Delhi-NCR has once again reached dangerous levels. According to the latest data, only seven of Delhi's 39 monitoring stations have the Air Quality Index (AQI) below the "danger mark," while the air at all other locations is recorded in the very poor to severe category.

Air quality remained extremely worrying in major areas of Delhi. Areas like R.K. Puram (335), Rohini (352), Sonia Vihar (350), Wazirpur (377) and Vivek Vihar (373) recorded an AQI above 300, which falls in the 'severe' category.

Meanwhile, Sirifort (338), Shadipur (330), and Pusa (333) also have very poor air quality. Noida's situation is no better. Sector 62 recorded an AQI of 304, Sector 116 306, and Sector 125 299, all of which fall in the "very poor" category. The situation in Ghaziabad is even more worrisome—Loni recorded an AQI of 344 and Vasundhara 358, all of which fall in the "severe" category. This level of pollution is directly affecting people's health.

According to experts, prolonged exposure to such air can worsen respiratory problems, including asthma, eye irritation, and headaches. Elderly people, children, and pregnant women have been advised to exercise special caution. Furthermore, the smog has reduced visibility. A layer of haze has blanketed the capital's roads, causing problems for drivers in the morning and evening.

According to the Meteorological Department, the situation is unlikely to improve over the next few days as slow wind speeds and falling temperatures are trapping pollutant particles in the atmosphere. The government and the Environment Department have appealed to people to use private vehicles sparingly, prioritize carpooling or public transport, and follow dust control measures in construction projects.