Lagatar24 desk
New Delhi, Oct 29: The air quality in Delhi has continued to degrade and the ruling Aam Aadmi Party and opposition BJP play the blame game ahead of the polls. The Air Quality Index at 1 pm was in the range of 400-500 or the ‘severe’ category in several areas of the national capital.
Some places in Delhi are hovering over 500 in the index, with pollution levels at their highest level since January.
The World Health Organization’s annual safe limit for PM2.5 (particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometres or less) concentration is 40 to 60 times higher than this.
According to the most recent air quality forecast, it is expected to get worse and stay in the “very poor” category for at least a few days, which could result in health advisories.
AAP members today demonstrated in front of the Delhi Lieutenant Governor’s office, alleging that he deliberately disapproved of their “Red Light on, Gaadi Off” campaign to reduce pollution. However, LG has retaliated, claiming that AAP “lied” about the launch date of the campaign.
The BJP, which currently controls the Centre and is led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has frequently come under attack from the AAP for having appointed the Lieutenant Governor and accused him of engaging in “political vendetta” on their behalf.
The overall National Capital Region’s air quality has likewise declined. At 1 pm, Noida had an AQI of 390, Ghaziabad 380, Greater Noida 395, Faridabad 396, and Delhi 400.
An AQI of 0 to 50 is regarded as “excellent,” 51 to 100 as “acceptable,” 101 to 200 as “moderate,” 201 to 300 as “poor,” 301 to 400 as “extremely poor,” and 401 to 500 as “severe.”
According to experts, the direction and speed of the wind are to blame for the worsening in air quality, which is leading to the buildup of pollutants and a spike in agricultural fire events.
