Here’s Everything You Need To Know About Delhi's Toxic Smog That Is Making Its Air Unbreathable!

Delhi’s AQI was recorded at an alarming 451 on the 5th of November.

If you’re a Delhi resident, then you must have had a sinking realisation on either Diwali or the day after Diwali - the alleged ban on crackers had virtually no effect whatsoever. As a result, the festivities contributed to the already rising smog levels in the city, with Delhiites waking up on a hazy morning trying to gasp for fresh air. Here’s all you need to know about the toxic smog that blankets the city.

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Pic credits: iStock 

Even though the city has had a history of terrible air quality during this time of the year, it was exceptionally bad on Friday, the 5th of November. The Air Quality Index (AQI) rose to a horrifying 451, making the situation particularly dire for folks who suffer from existing lung or heart diseases. For those not aware of the term, AQI is the measure of the concentration of poisonous particulate matter PM 2.5 in a cubic metre of air.

This reading on Friday averaged at 706 micrograms, which is shockingly higher than the annual average of 5 micrograms that the World Health Organization deems as being unsafe. 

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Pic credits: iStock 

To counter the situation, on Saturday, the Delhi Government flagged off the 114 tankers to spray water across the city in order to settle the dust. Moreover, they have installed smog guns in several parts of the city that will also sprinkle water to reduce the mounting pollution levels. In fact, 92 construction sites in the capital city have been sealed for violating pollution-related protocols.  

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Pic credits: iStock 

With the rise in pollution levels, doctors in the city have reported a 20 per cent rise in the number of patients complaining of respiratory trouble like shortness of breath, wheezing, and incessant coughing. Not to mention, these toxic particles (PM 2.5) can cause cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, such as lung cancer as well. 

iStock

Pic credits: iStock 

However, to blame the current situation entirely on bursting crackers would be unfair, as Diwali festivities coincide with farmers across the neighbouring states of Punjab and Haryana burning the stubble left after harvesting to prepare their fields for the next crop. Unfortunately, this year has been no different. 

Pic credits for OG/Vertical/Header: iStock

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