New Delhi: The air quality index (AQI) in several areas of the Indian capital turned “severe” on Friday, forcing some schools to be closed for two days.
Every winter, a thick layer of dirty smog hangs over New Delhi, trapping vehicle emissions, construction dust and smoke from the burning of crop stubble in neighboring states. The result is an increase in respiratory diseases among the city’s 20 million residents.
People complained of burning eyes and itching in the throat as the air became thick with the AQI being around 480 at some monitoring stations in the city. reuters Reported today.
According to a real-time list by Swiss group IQAir, New Delhi, India, is ranked 611th in the ‘dangerous’ category of the world’s most polluted cities, with an AQI of 0-50 considered good, and anything between 400-500. Also affects. healthy people.
“Adverse meteorological conditions, sudden increase in farm fires and north-westerly winds carrying pollutants towards Delhi are the major reasons for the sudden increase in AQI,” the region’s Air Quality Management Commission said on Thursday.
Authorities have ordered primary or elementary schools closed Friday and Saturday, while most construction work in the region has been suspended.
Some suppliers of air purifier filters in the region said there is a shortage because demand has suddenly increased.
This year, the focus on deteriorating air quality has overshadowed the Cricket World Cup hosted by India, with the financial capital Mumbai also suffering from rising pollution levels.
Delhi is set to host the World Cup match between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka on Monday.
Meanwhile, Lahore is also facing a similar situation as the government has ordered coronavirus-like restrictions including school closures amid severe smog that has engulfed the city.
According to IQAir, last year Bhiwadi in northern India was the most polluted city in the country and the third most polluted city in the world. New Delhi stood fourth while Pakistan’s Lahore and China’s Hotan topped the list.
