Delhiites face breathing issues, eye irritation as toxic smog blankets city

Air pollution in Delhi worsened further on Sunday morning as a thick blanket of toxic smog enveloped the national capital, affecting visibility in several areas.

Delhi’s average Air Quality Index (AQI) rose to 461 at 7 am, up from 431 recorded on Saturday.

All 40 air quality monitoring stations in the city reported readings in the “severe” category, with Rohini emerging as the worst-affected area with an AQI of 499.

Bawana recorded an AQI level of 498, followed by Vivek Vihar at 495. Ashok Vihar (493), Narela (492) and Anand Vihar (491) were also among the heavily polluted areas.

Other areas with higher air quality index included Mundaka (486), ITO (485), Punjabi Bagh (478) and Nehru Nagar (476). These figures reflect widespread pollution in the city and also underscore the deepening air quality crisis.

In several areas, visibility dropped to near zero, severely disrupting early morning movement. Locals reported experiencing breathing difficulties, eye irritation and other health issues due to the worsening pollution levels.

"Good air quality and a clean environment are very important for a healthy life. For a healthy life, the AQI should be around 100-120, but in Delhi, it is mostly over 300. The elderly and young children face a lot of difficulties because of this," Suresh, a resident of Jalgaon, told ANI.

Harsh Vardhan, a resident of Dwarka, told the news agency that he was experiencing breathing difficulties due to increased air pollution and urged the government to take stronger measures.

"Pollution has only increased. I am having difficulty breathing. The government should take stronger measures. It is good that GRAP 4 has been invoked in the national capital. I suggest the 'odd-even' scheme should also be implemented," he said.

Besides Delhi, other areas in the National Capital Region, too, have been grappling with the worsening air pollution. Noida recorded an AQI of 470, while Ghaziabad stood at 460.