Three days ahead of Diwali, Delhiites inhaled severely poor quality air, on Thursday, which had respirable pollutants up to nine times above the safe limit at certain places even as authorities warned of a "critically polluted" period ahead.
Anand Vihar, the city’s pollution hotspot, had PM 10 (suspended particulate matter) at over 962 micrograms per cubic metre at 2pm, as against the safe limit of 100. The situation is only expected to worsen with Diwali nearing.
The figure was recorded by Delhi Pollution Control Committee's (DPCC) real-time air quality monitor.
Its AQI (air quality index) remained severe through the day, hitting 500 (maximum limit) at many points. Even PM 2.5, finer and deadlier pollutants, was several times above the prescribed limit.
Even residential areas such as Mandir Marg and R K Puram had AQI in the severe category as per the monitoring stations of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
The possible health impacts of severe AQI says that it affects healthy people and seriously impacts those with existing diseases. These respirable pollutants not only harm the respiratory system but also enter the bloodstream.
Delhi Environment Minister Imran Hussain held a meeting on the pollution situation. Later, he addressed a public awareness event against firecrackers at Connaught Place while AAP MLA Alka Lamba led an anti-cracker drive at Chandni Chowk.
A senior government official said Chinese firecrackers were being traded in many areas such as Sadar Bazar, INA, Sarojini Nagar and Jheel and four crack teams have been asked to focus on these areas and seize the banned products.
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