Sat Nov 02 05:15:19 UTC 2024: ## Delhi Choked by Smog as AQI Reaches ‘Very Poor’ Levels

New Delhi, India – A thick layer of smog blanketed the national capital on Saturday morning, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 296 at 7 am, according to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR).

Several areas within the city saw AQI levels in the “very poor” category, with Anand Vihar reporting an AQI of 380, RK Puram at 346, IGI Airport T3 at 342, and Dwarka Sector 8 at 308.

Cyclists in the city, particularly near India Gate, complained about the difficulty of breathing while engaging in physical activity. “There are serious problems because of pollution; if you look around, the air is polluted. When you walk normally, you don’t feel it, but if you cycle, jog, or do any heavy work, you will feel that it is quite difficult to breathe,” said one cyclist.

Concerns about further worsening air quality in the coming days were also expressed, with another cyclist stating that “the pollution level will rise after 2-3 days. There won’t be any relief (from pollution), but it will increase.”

These alarming levels come just a day after Diwali celebrations, where the city’s air quality was already recorded in the “very poor” category with most areas recording AQIs above 350.

The current situation poses significant health risks for residents, highlighting the urgent need for effective measures to curb pollution levels in the national capital.

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