No relief to Delhiites from poisonous air as capital turns into gas chamber

Delhi and its adjoining areas are choking from air pollution. Every day, it's becoming more difficult for people to breathe as the national capital is turning into a gas chamber with rising pollutants in the atmosphere. On Thursday morning, a layer of smoky haze lingered over the region as the air quality index (AQI) continues to remain in the 'very poor' and 'severe' category in several areas.

Due to lack of wind, the AQI continues to deteriorate. A sheet of poisonous smog is seen everywhere.

The entire NCR is 'very poor'

Delhi's overall air pollution recorded at 333 (very poor) in the morning, according to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR). In Gurugram, the AQI stood at 432 (severe category), as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data.

AQI reached in 'severe category' in several areas. It was recorded at 469 in Sector-51 Gurugram, 458 in Noida Sector 1, 469 in Indirapuram and Ghaziabad, and 421 in New Industrial Town Faridabad.

Mathura road situation worst

Talk about the different areas of Delhi, IIT Delhi has AQI of 327, Pusa stood at 339, Lodhi Road area at 303, Delhi University's AQI was 362, IGI Airport at 336, Mathura Road at 397 and Ayanagar area has an AQI of 314.

An AQI between 0-50 is marked good, 51-100 is satisfactory, 101-200 is moderate, 201-300 is poor, 301-400 is very poor and 401-500 is considered severe.

Breathing problems due to poisonous air

Amid the rise in pollution levels, people are having problems with breathing and some children have started facing throat problems due to contaminated air.

"We were already witnessing several problems due to COVID-19, now the pollution is increasing day by day. Due to this, we are not able to breathe properly, it is affecting our eyes and throat too," a local in Delhi near the signature bridge in Wazirabad told news agency ANI.

"People burn garbage here and throw waste in the river, because of all this we are facing several problems. We as a citizen of this country should play a role in combating the air pollution," said a cyclist.