Delhi residents faced another day of thick smog on Friday as the city’s air quality remained in the ‘very poor’ category. The Air Quality Index (AQI) in the national capital was recorded at 383 as of 8 a.m., according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), marking the eighth consecutive day of poor air following Diwali.
The AQI scale categorizes readings from 200-300 as “poor,” 301-400 as “very poor,” 401-450 as “severe,” and any reading above 450 as “severe plus.” Many areas across Delhi registered AQI levels that hovered between ‘very poor’ and ‘severe,’ raising serious health concerns.
Worsening Visibility and Deteriorating Air Quality
Areas across Delhi reported worsening visibility due to the heavy smog. In central areas like Tilak Marg, the AQI dropped to 349, according to CPCB data. The SAFAR monitoring system showed even higher levels in nearby neighborhoods: Bawana recorded an AQI of 440, Mundka at 428, and Rohini at 439, with all these locations touching either ‘very poor’ or ‘severe’ levels.
Similarly, visibility around Akshardham Temple was noticeably worse, as AQI levels in the area peaked at 415. The thick haze, which has persisted since Diwali, has drastically impacted visibility, adding to residents’ concerns over prolonged exposure to toxic air.
Chhath Puja Devotees Brave Toxic Conditions at Yamuna
Amid these hazardous conditions, devotees gathered to celebrate the final day of Chhath Puja at Yamuna Ghat in Kalindi Kunj, surrounded by thick, toxic foam on the river’s surface. Videos from the area showed worshippers offering prayers and taking dips in the Yamuna, despite the evident pollution.
On the third day of Chhath Puja, devotees were seen standing in the foam-laden water to offer ‘Arghya’ to the setting sun, with many participating in the traditional holy dip. The heavy pollution in the river has become a recurring concern, but devotees continued their rituals amidst the challenging conditions.
High Court Rejects Petition to Allow Chhath Puja at the Yamuna
Concerns over pollution levels in the Yamuna prompted the Delhi High Court to reject a petition that sought permission to conduct Chhath Puja rituals at the river. Citing serious health risks from contaminated water, the court emphasized that alternative sites for the festival were available across Delhi. The bench, led by the Chief Justice of Delhi, referred to a recent incident in which an individual fell ill and required hospitalization after taking a dip in the river, highlighting the dangers associated with the toxic river water.
Government’s Response to the Escalating Pollution Crisis
In response to the escalating pollution, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai convened a meeting with officials to discuss potential solutions to the crisis. Rai urged cooperation from neighboring states, emphasizing the importance of joint efforts to combat air pollution. He also criticized certain BJP-led neighboring states, accusing them of politicizing the issue rather than working collaboratively toward a solution.
As Delhi grapples with worsening air quality and rising pollution levels, the need for comprehensive and coordinated action remains crucial to improving the city’s environmental conditions.