‘We can’t breathe’: Delhi residents fume as air quality remains ‘severe’

Residents in several areas of Delhi complained of breathing difficulty on Monday as the air quality in the national capital remained in the “severe” category. A thick layer of smog enveloped the city, reducing visibility and affecting vehicular movements.

"The condition of Delhi is bad. We are experiencing difficulty in breathing. Old people are distressed,” a resident told ANI news agency. He alleged that the construction work was still going on in the city despite the worsening level of pollution.

“Work is happening on the ground. People are distressed. There is no one to ask people. I request everyone to complain about this matter. Tell them about Delhi's condition,” he said.

Another resident, Harminder, said there was a high risk of accidents as the thick smog had sharply reduced the visibility. According to reports, in several areas, the visibility dropped to near zero, severely disrupting the morning movement. 

On Sunday, too, Delhiites had reported experiencing breathing difficulties, eye irritation and other health issues due to the worsening pollution levels.

Delhi's average air quality index (AQI) stood at 457 on Monday morning. In Akshardham, the AQI was recorded at 493, followed by Dwarka Sector-14 at 469.

The dense smog has hit operations at Delhi airport, with over 60 flights being cancelled and five diverted due to poor visibility conditions. Over 250 flights were delayed.

The airlines have issued travel advisories, warning that the weather situation could impact flight schedules and cause inconvenience to passengers travelling to and from Delhi.