Delhi’s air quality index drops into the “severe” category. Air quality turns toxic because farmers in neighboring states burn crop stubble.
Delhi’s population breathes poison as the air quality of India’s capital slips into the “severe” category. The air quality index stood at 423 on Thursday at 4:00 p.m. due to farmers in neighbouring states, Punjab and Haryana, burning crop stubble and vehicular emissions.
Delhi and its adjoining areas, such as Noida, are covered with a thick layer of smog. Delhi air quality was worst in Jahangirpuri and Anand Vihar in the severe category at 480 and 472 at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, with PM2.5 in Jahangirpuri and PM10 in Anand Vihar, according to Central Pollution Control Board data.
An air quality index of 0–50 is considered good, 51–100 is considered satisfactory, 101–200 is considered moderate, 201–300 is considered poor, 301–400 is considered very poor, and 401–500 is considered severe.
Currently, the Delhi air quality index is in a severe category that affects healthy people and seriously impacts those with existing diseases. Many people complain about respiratory issues.
According to medical professionals, prolonged exposure to toxic air, especially in the morning, can cause serious health problems.
After Diwali, Delhi usually experiences a spike in air pollution because of bursting firecrackers. But this year, due to favorable weather conditions, Delhi’s air quality is relatively better after Diwali.
Until this week, farmers in neighboring states burned crop stubble. Farmers see this method of farm fire as a fast and cheap way to clear fields in the winter.
Punjab is reported to have the highest number of farm fires. Punjab said 3,634 farm fires on Wednesday, according to the Indian Agriculture Research Institute (IARI).
In Haryana, the number of farm fires crossed the 2,000 mark, with 88 fresh farm fire cases reported on Wednesday.
On Tuesday, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said that all construction activities will be stopped in Delhi because of rising pollution.
The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology’s forecast said that for six days, the Delhi air quality is likely to remain “very poor” and “poor.”
