Sat Nov 23 05:53:40 UTC 2024: ## Delhi Chokes: Severe Air Pollution Impacts Animals, Humans Alike
**New Delhi, November 23, 2024** – Delhi’s air quality plummeted to “severe” levels on Saturday morning, reaching an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 420. Nine monitoring stations recorded “severe plus” levels, exceeding 450, while nineteen others registered “severe” readings. This marks over 20 days of hazardous air quality, with conditions worsening steadily since late October. The city is shrouded in thick smog, impacting not only human health but also causing significant distress to animals, both pets and strays.
Veterinarians report a surge in respiratory problems among animals, including coughing, sneezing, vomiting, and congestion. Pet owners are limiting outdoor time for their animals to mitigate exposure, leading to behavioral changes such as aggression in some dogs. Street animals face even greater risks, with increased instances of hit-and-run accidents due to reduced visibility in the smog. Animal feeders also report challenges, with fewer people willing to feed animals due to the severe pollution.
The Supreme Court is currently hearing a plea to curb air pollution in the Delhi-NCR region. While a brief improvement was seen mid-week, the air quality has again deteriorated, raising serious concerns about public and animal health. The severe air pollution is causing widespread distress and highlighting the urgent need for effective solutions.
First Piper 