Delhi engulfed in dense fog: AQI crosses 400, demand for closure of schools

The air of Delhi-NCR is becoming toxic. The blanket of smog, which has spread for the last three days, appeared thicker this morning. The Air Quality Index (AQI) of Rajdhani has reached the critical category. Delhi has recorded an AQI of 418 i.e. in the severe category till 10 am. AQI 396 till 8.30 am, AQI 364 at 8 am in the very poor category, and at 7 am AQI 408 was recorded in the severe category. Parents have demanded the closure of schools because of the deteriorating conditions.

The AQI in Noida stood at 469 on Thursday. Real-time AQI has even crossed 500 in many areas. At the same time, the air of Gurugram also remains in the very poor category. Here the AQI was 318. Ghaziabad's AQI was recorded at 375. North Delhi recorded the worst air quality as almost all stations in the region recorded AQI above 400.

AQI above 400 in these areas

AQI 449 in Anand Vihar, AQI 422 in Mundka, AQI 434 in Wazirpur, AQI 429 in Narela, AQI 447 in Bawana, AQI 419 in Alipore, AQI 433 in Ashok Vihar, AQI 455 in Jahangirpuri and India Gate AQI 419. At the same time, except for a few stations like Mandir Marg in central Delhi, most of the stations in the capital have AQI above 300.

As per SAFAR data, the AQI of 457 has been recorded at Dhirpur in Model Town. Due to this, there is a possibility of people getting sick. The AQI near IGI Airport (T3) also remained in the 'very poor' category at 346 today. AQI of 350 was recorded in the area on Wednesday.

With the worsening of air pollution in the national capital, Delhi authorities have put all construction work and demolition activities on hold till further orders. The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) and parents have urged the Delhi government to close schools till the air quality improves. Apart from this, the disease is also being demanded by the burning of stubble.

air quality index standards

Air Quality Index (AQI) between 0-50 'better', 51-100 'satisfactory', 101 to 200 'normal', 201 to 300 'poor', and 301 to 400 'very' Between 401 and 500 is considered 'severe'.

The third stage of GRAP is implemented in Delhi-NCR

The pollution level in Delhi-NCR has reached the severe category for the last several days. In such a situation, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has implemented the third phase of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). Due to this, all the work that promotes pollution has been stopped. For example, construction and demolition activity will stop in Delhi-NCR. Roads will be cleaned and water will be sprinkled daily.

Eye irritation and shortness of breath

Stuffing air in Delhi is causing burning in the eyes and shortness of breath. Doctors have asked people to take precautions. Asthma patients can face many problems. Along with this, it is advised to reduce the walk in the morning and evening.

PM 2.5 is poison for the lungs

Particulate matter (PM) present in the air is no less than poison for the human lungs. These are particles present in the air, whose size is 2.5 micrometers or less. Due to these, premature death can also occur. According to the WHO, PM 2.5 in the air should not exceed 5 micrograms per cubic meter, but the amount of particulate matter in the whole country is higher.

Also Read: Air Pollution: SMOG as far as you can see in Delhi-NCR, know its dangers and ways to avoid it