Delhi wakes up to 'poor' air quality; pulmonologist warns of rising health risks

The Air Quality Index AQI around Akshardham was recorded at 230 in the Poor category in Delhi this morning as per the Central Pollution Control Board CPCBThe Air Quality Index AQI at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium area recorded an AQI of 252 as seen from visuals taken near Barapullah BridgeRaising concern regarding higher levels of AQI pulmonologist Dr Sharad Joshi from Ghaziabad said to ANI Air Quality Index AQI has risen significantly leading to higher levels of particulate pollutants from sources like crop burning vehicular exhaust and fireworks This exacerbates respiratory issues for those with conditions such as COPD asthma or a history of tuberculosis causing symptoms like cough fever breathlessness and chest painHe added that even those without prior respiratory problems especially children and the elderly are at risk due to weakened immunityDr Joshi further said that while the use of green crackers during Diwali emits fewer pollutants they are not entirely harmless He emphasised that vehicular exhaust remains a yearround contributor to Delhis pollution with the situation worsening in October and November due to stagnant weather conditionsTo mitigate the effects of poor air quality Dr Joshi suggested to reduce vehicle use through carpooling maintain vehicle pollution levels use air purifiers indoors ensure proper kitchen ventilation avoid indoor pollution sources like incense and for those with respiratory issues continuing regular medication and considering preventive vaccinesAdditionally wearing N95 or double surgical masks during outdoor activities is advised for everyone to protect against poor air quality he addedOn Friday morning the Air Quality Index AQI in the national capital continued to be in the Very poor category as per the Central Pollution Control Board CPCBAccording to the CPCB the AQI was measured at 367 at 8 am The highest AQI was recorded in Anand Vihar 370 followed by Wazirpur 328 Jahangirpuri 324 and Akshardham 369Meanwhile several areas in Delhi recorded an AQI above 200 which means the air quality in these localities has turned PoorAnand Vihar Bawana and Chandni Chowk the AQI was recorded at 276 367 310 and 212 respectively In Dwarka Sec 8 AQI was recorded at 305 Nehru Nagar at 269 IGI Airport T3 at 221 Rohini at 245 Pusa at 224 and India Gate 200The AQI reading is categorised as Good 050 Satisfactory 51100 Moderately Polluted 101200 Poor 201300 Very Poor 301400 and Severe 401500 Thus the higher the AQI reading the unhealthier it is to breatheEarlier on Tuesday the Commission for Air Quality Management CAQM in DelhiNCR has imposed Stage I of the Graded Response Action Plan GRAP The action comes after the Air Quality Index AQI in the region dropped to 211 categorising it as poor according to a statement released by the CommissionThe Commission also considered the predictions of the India Meteorological Department IMD and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology IITM which forecast poor air quality in the coming daysThis Stage I of GRAP is activated when the AQI ranges between 201 and 300 Under this stage 27 preventive actions are to be strictly implemented by all relevant agencies across NCR These include the use of antismog guns water sprinkling dust suppression measures in road construction repair projects and maintenance activitiesThe SubCommittee on in its meeting held today reviewed the air quality scenario in the region IMDIITM forecast and observed as under The AQI of Delhi has been recorded 211 on 14102025 Poor Category Furthermore the forecast by IMDIIT M has also predicted AQI to remain in the Poor category in the coming days CAQM said in its orderThe SubCommittee accordingly decides to invoke all actions under StageI Poor Air Quality of the extant GRAP in the entire NCR with immediate effect it addedThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever