Air Pollution levels in the capital city has reached extreme levels with Air Quality Index of upto 500 . Delhi has been witnessing smog for nearly five days . The AQI continues to remain in the ‘severe category ‘ bringing about health distress in old generation and infants
The Air pollution levels has shown a meagre downturn overnight on Saturday ( November 4) owing to better wind speed. Regardless, the ongoing situation continues to be appalling . With concentration of poisonous PM2.5 which is 80 times over the healthy limit prescribed by the WHO. The schools were shut and non essential construction places were forbidden.
Contributing Factors To Pollution
The concentration of PM 2.5, fine particulate matter has potential of seeping into the respiratory system causing health problems. The air quality over the past week, has severely declined as a consequence of stubble burning across neighbouring states of Haryana and Punjab amalgamated with gradual drop in temperature and calm winds trapping pollution are also a contributing factor
Present Statistics
According to Central Pollution Control Board, Delhi’s AQI experienced a shocking rise by 200 points , reaching above 450 between October 27 and November 3
However , the AQI has imperceptibly improved from 468 at 4pm on Friday to 413 at 6am on Saturday . Friday’s AQI (468) was the worst amongst all.
Who All Are Vulnerable To Poor Air Quality
People within a peculiar demographic or health group are more prone to facing extreme risk owing to the poor AQI
Children and Infant: Their respiratory systems are yet to fully develop because of which their immune system can not support a surge in AQI
Old Generation : Their decreased lung strength and potential health ailments can aggravate the condition and pose problems
Individuals with Respiratory Problems
People with health conditions like bronchitis,asthma and other respiratory ailments are at a huge risk
Individuals with heart conditions:
Bad air quality can worsen the heart condition because of scant of oxygen for the heart to function.
Outdoor Workers: People working as construction workers or farmers have prolonged exposure of bad air making them vulnerable to health issues
Doctors in Delhi claim that they have already started to witness deteriorating impacts of filthy air in the residents. A rise in breathing problems with countless people catching cough and cold . Wearing mask and avoiding outdoors are precautionary measures advised.
Methods Deployed By AAP government to tackle the situation
Sprinkling of water on roads to curb dust and establishment of buildings ’Smog Towers’ costing more than 2m each , that are meant to clean air but have been declared as ‘Ineffective’ by the scientists
Delhi LG Vinai Kumar Saxena has called for an urgent meeting with Arvind Kejriwal as the air quality has turned hazardous and toxic to inhale . The meeting is scheduled at 6pm.
Delhi pollution agitates political fight between BJP And AAP
Several sir pollution has stirred political unrest . Recently the Bhartiya Janta Party leader, Gaurav Bhatia throws jabs at Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal over the air condition in Delhi. He calls the AAP chief a fraudster and known for his ineffectiveness and false promises. Associating Kejriwal with corruption and cheap politics.
