Delhi: A thin layer of smog blanketed the national capital on Saturday as the air quality index dropped to 226, which is in the ‘poor’ category according to the Central Pollution Control Board. The highest AQI was in Akshardham and Anand Vihar area at 334 which was classified as ‘very poor’, followed by AIIMS and surrounding areas with AQI at 253.
At India Gate, the AQI dropped to 251, which was placed in the ‘poor’ category.
Ashish Kumar Meena, a resident, said that pollution near Akshardham area has increased significantly in the last two days due to which the residents are facing problems.
Speaking to ANI, he said, “The pollution level here has increased significantly in the last two days. This is causing blockage in the throat, difficulty in breathing and also a burning sensation in the eyes. The pollution level will increase further after Diwali. The government needs to take steps to control the level of pollution. Those who are burning substances in fire should be fined. People who have respiratory problems must be suffering so much.”
Another resident said that people should use more public transport which would help in reducing pollution.
“People should use public transportation more and try to use carpooling. This will help reduce pollution levels in the city,” he said.
On October 18, Bharatiya Janata National Party spokesperson Shehzad Poonawala reached ‘Smog Tower’ to protest against this. Criticizing the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), the BJP leader said Arvind Kejriwal has cheated the people in the national capital in the name of air pollution, now their health has been put at risk.
“Today Delhi has become a gas chamber due to the politics of accusation and counter-accusation of the Aam Aadmi Party. He had made big promises that he would make Delhi pollution free. Look at the condition of Yamuna today, Delhi has become a gas chamber. Aam Aadmi Party banned firecrackers on Diwali, but the smog tower on which Rs 23 crore was spent has been locked… The way Aam Aadmi Party has cheated people in the name of pollution and What it is doing to make Delhi the most poisonous and polluted city will be exposed,” Poonawalla said.
