Delhi Grapples with Severe Pollution: Residents, Tourists Suffer

Delhi’s air continued to remain in the “very poor” category with an overall Air Quality Index of 348 on 29 October.

Severe AQI affects even healthy people, while it seriously impacts those with existing diseases.

(Photo: PTI)

Delhi's air continued to remain in the "very poor" category with an overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of 348 on Monday, 29 October. Both residents and tourists are subjected to the poor air quality whenever they step out of their homes.

According to CPCB, the severe AQI affects even healthy people if exposed for a long time, while it seriously impacts those with existing diseases.

I have asthma and it’s my first time in Delhi. When I came out of the airport I realised it is much harder for me to breathe. I couldn’t inhale the air. Whenever I am outside, I have to wear the mask. Otherwise it gets difficult for me to breathe.

Tourist

Among the most polluted regions in Delhi were Dwarka, Anand Vihar, Rohini, Mundaka, Bawana, Mathura Raod, Delhi Technical University, Jahangirpuri, Narela, Nehru Nagar, Delhi University North Campus, Punjabi Bagh, RK Puram, Sonia Vihar, Vivek Vihar and Wazirpur.

I can see nothing. Smog is everywhere. I can’t see 100 metres ahead. It’s problematic because it’s hard to breathe.

Tourist

Delhi BJP president Manoj Tiwari on Monday, 29 October, asked the party-ruled municipal corporations to step in to tackle the rising air pollution in the city as the AAP government has "failed" to take effective measures.

It is very unfortunate that the Delhi government only remains a "mute spectator" to this "serious health hazard" Delhi is facing, he alleged, adding that in the last four years, the AAP dispensation has "failed" to take any effective measure to curb air pollution.

It’s not even cold yet but the pollution has risen massively in Delhi. Delhi government is unable to find a solution to the Punjab crop burning issue.

Manoj Tiwari, Delhi BJP President

(With inputs from IANS and PTI)