A thick layer of smog has covered Delhi, as its Air Quality Index slipped down to 361 categorized as ‘Very Poor’ at 8 a.m., informed the Central Pollution Control Board.
While visibility is low in the city, people complained of not seeing anything properly on the road. Moreover, many complained about irritation in the eyes, running noses, breathlessness, and coughing. The problems have worsened with the drop in temperature.
Upendra Singh, a resident, said, “The pollution has worsened, and coupled with the falling temperatures, we are in several problems. The visibility on the roads is almost zero, and we’re experiencing irritation in the eyes, running noses, breathlessness, and constant coughing.”
A visibly irritated cyclist near India Gate was forced to break his daily routine owing to the deteriorating quality of air. “I cycle here every day, but today I had to stop because of poor visibility and the high level of pollution. It’s getting harder to breathe. The government must take urgent action, and locals should cooperate by taking necessary precautions,” he said.
One senior citizen also expressed his concerns, as he is troubled with breathing problems and throat pain, likewise his grandchildren. “I am an elderly person, my grandchildren also face similar issues while going to school. All of us have problems with breathing, irritation in the eyes, and also throat pain. The main cause of this pollution is the emissions from vehicles and burning of crop stubble. Government has to act now and cannot just sit back and do nothing,” he said. The AQI has reached alarming levels in several parts of Delhi. A reading of 399 was recorded in Anand Vihar. While Punjabi Bagh had 382 and Ashok Vihar recorded 376 at 8 a.m. According to the Central Pollution Control Board, the levels are much above the safe limits for air quality.
On Monday, the Supreme Court of India addressed the issue of pollution. The Supreme Court pronounced that living in ecology-free pollution is a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution. It also slammed the authorities for their inability to ensure a ban on firecrackers during Diwali. The fires, according to it, make the pollution worse and a violation of citizens’ right to health.
“No religion propagates or encourages activities that are causing pollution or harm to public health,” said a division bench comprising Justices Abhay S. Oka and Augustine George Masih. “The burning of firecrackers in the above manner has a direct impact on the fundamental right to health of the citizens.” The remarks by the Court bring to the fore the gravity of addressing the pollution in the city.
With levels of pollution reaching hazardous highs, residents. And authorities come increasingly under pressure to take immediate measures to protect public health.
ANI
