Amidst the dense smog enveloping New Delhi, the iconic Akshardham Temple barely emerged through the haze as the capital’s air quality plummeted to alarming levels. With an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 296 reported at 7 a.m. on November 2, 2024, conditions remain dire, according to SAFAR. Specifically, Anand Vihar recorded a significantly hazardous AQI of 380, while R.K. Puram and the IGI Airport T3 showed similarly concerning levels of 346 and 342, respectively, as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Dwarka Sector 8 was also affected with an AQI of 308, all categorized as ‘very poor.’ These conditions, exacerbated by Diwali festivities, pose serious health risks to residents, especially during physical activities like cycling or jogging, as noted by a local cyclist who found breathing challenging due to pollution. On the previous day, AQI measurements across the city revealed severe pollution levels, with most areas recording numbers over 350, causing widespread health concerns. Anand Vihar experienced an AQI of 395, with other districts like Aya Nagar and Jahangirpuri showing similarly distressing figures, thus underlining the urgent need for effective air quality management strategies.
Original Story https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/delhi-aqi-at-296-smog-engulfs-city/article68821942.ece
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