The environment across the national capital does not seem to improve in the coming few days. Delhi on Tuesday woke up to a thick layer of toxic smog as the average Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 363 at 7 am. The AQI did stand in the `very poor` category despite the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)-III in effect across Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR), according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
As reported by news agency ANI, a layer of thick smog engulfed several areas along with Delhi, showing little improvement from Monday morning`s AQI of 396.
According to the CPCB, the Wazirpur area recorded an AQI of 400. The AQI in Anand Vihar was 401, which falls under the `Severe` pollution category.
Along with New Delhi, Bawana recorded the AQI level of 388 at 7 am on Tuesday, falling under the `very poor` category. In contrast, NSIT Dwarka recorded an AQI of 314, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
Moreover, visuals from AIIMS and Safdarjung Hospital showed reduced visibility due to smog. The AQI (Air Quality Index) in the area is 323, categorised as `Very Poor`.
Chandani Chowk recorded an AQI of 354, RK Puram 390, ITO 384, Punjabi Bagh 391, Patparganj 378, Pusa 359, and Dwaraka Sector-8 379, as reported by news agency ANI.
According to AQI categorisation, 0-50 is `good`, 51-100 `satisfactory`, 101-200 `moderate`, 201-300 `poor`, 301-400 `very poor`, and 401-500 `severe`.
Protest at India Gate
Meanwhile, a group of people protested at India Gate against the rising air pollution in Delhi-NCR, but the police later removed them. Earlier, on November 9, people had also staged a protest at the same spot, demanding that the government implement policies to curb air pollution in the National Capital Region.
Furthermore, around 22 people were arrested for allegedly blocking a road at India Gate, obstructing police and using pepper spray on Delhi Police personnel during a protest.
On Monday, Delhi Police, while highlighting the protest, said, “We had registered FIRs at two police stations for staging a protest at the C hexagon on India Gate and allegedly using chilli spray/pepper spray on police personnel.”
The police further said, “The protestors who held their agitation at the C hexagon on India Gate allegedly used chilli spray and pepper spray on police personnel, obstructing official work and blocking the road,” as cited by news agency ANI.
(With inputs from ANI)