Mon Nov 18 11:16:45 UTC 2024: ## Delhi Chokes: Air Quality Soars to Alarming Levels, Comparable to Smoking 49 Cigarettes Daily
**New Delhi, November 18** – Delhi’s air quality has plummeted to alarming levels, reaching an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 978 on Friday afternoon, according to aqi.in. This is equivalent to smoking 49.02 cigarettes a day, raising serious health concerns for the city’s residents.
The deteriorating air quality, which began worsening at the end of October, is attributed to several factors, including stubble burning in neighboring states and the burning of fireworks. The exceptionally high AQI has prompted widespread anxiety among Delhiites.
The Supreme Court has expressed its concern over the deteriorating air quality, criticizing the Delhi government for delays in implementing Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). The court has stated it will not allow the relaxation of measures under GRAP 4 even if the AQI falls below 450.
In response to the severe pollution, several restrictions have been implemented in Delhi, including online classes for students. Further measures under the GRAP are expected to be enforced.
Neighboring Haryana is also experiencing severely poor air quality, with an AQI of 631 (equivalent to smoking 33.25 cigarettes daily). Both Haryana and Delhi are particularly vulnerable due to the annual influx of pollutants from stubble burning. In contrast, states like Uttar Pradesh (AQI 273), Punjab (AQI 233), and Ladakh (AQI 0) show varying degrees of air quality, highlighting the uneven distribution of pollution across India. Arunachal Pradesh boasts the cleanest air with an AQI of 13.
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