Air pollution in the national capital New Delhi and neighbouring Haryana have been at toxic levels for the past few weeks. However, November 17 witnessed a drastic drop in already severe air quality with AQI crossing 999 in many parts of the Delhi-NCR.
Growing air quality issues now imply that the pollution levels are akin to the quantity of cigarettes a person might inhale or smoke daily. With the national capital experiencing the worst conditions, an AQI reading of 978 post-noon on November 18 indicates that an individual could be breathing in the equivalent of 49.02 cigarettes each day.
Since the end of October, the air quality in Delhi has been progressively declining and worsening daily, impacted by various factors such as the use of firecrackers and stubble burning.
Residents of Delhi are grappling with their worst nightmares as the AQI surpasses their worst expectations.
As per AQI.in, the air quality index (AQI) for the national capital was recorded at 978 at 12:30 pm on November 18. This level corresponds to the effects of smoking 49.02 cigarettes within a 24-hour span.
Haryana, Delhi's neighbouring state, ranks as the second worst affected, with an AQI level of 631 which equates to smoking 33.25 cigarettes daily.
Each year, both Haryana and Delhi fall victim to smog caused by toxic particles from stubble burning.
According to AQI.in, Uttar Pradesh's air quality index is at 273, which corresponds to the impact of smoking 10.16 cigarettes daily.
Punjab is particularly known for the prevalent issue of stubble burning, currently reporting an AQI of 233, which is equivalent to smoking 8.34 cigarettes each day.
Meanwhile, Delhi Chief Minister Atishi Marlena questioned why, if the Punjab government, which her party AAP governs, can reduce stubble burning by 80 per cent, are the incidents increasing in other states.
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