Air quality in Delhi improved slightly on Monday morning, but remained in the ‘very poor’ category, with the air quality index (AQI) at 8 am at 345, down from 391 recorded the previous day.
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), AQI is 379 in Anand Vihar, 360 in Alipore, 367 in Ashok Vihar, 412 in Bawana, 389 in Burari Crossing, 360 in Chandni Chowk, 356 in Dwarka Sector-8, 367 in ITO, 389 in Jahangirpuri, 378 in Mundka, 378 in Narela. 368, 348 in Okhla Phase 2, 348 in Patparganj. 376, Punjabi Bagh 324, RK Puram 363, Rohini 390 and Sonia Vihar 369.
Speaking to ANI, Rahul, a resident, said the pollution in the city is very high, causing difficulty in breathing and burning eyes. Rahul said, “Pollution is really very high. This is not fog, but pollution. We are having trouble breathing and burning eyes. The government should take action. Crackers were burst, smoke from stubble burning is also coming into Delhi.”
According to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data, the air quality in the national capital had reached ‘very poor’ category a day earlier and the overall air quality index (AQI) was recorded at 391 at 7 am. According to the CPCB, an AQI between 0 and 50 is considered ‘good’, 51-100 is ‘satisfactory’, 101-200 is ‘moderate’, 201-300 is ‘moderate’. ‘Poor’, 301-400 is considered ‘very poor’ and 401-500 is considered ‘severe’.
Meanwhile, Delhi Police detained the people protesting at India Gate. These people were demanding the government to make policies to curb air pollution in the National Capital Region. New Delhi District DCP Devesh
Kumar Mahala said, “India Gate is not a protest site. As per Supreme Court directions, the designated protest site in New Delhi is Jantar Mantar. So we have advised everyone to follow the guidelines. People come to India Gate to enjoy with their families and it is a national monument. There are VIP routes here; we are regularly deployed here.”