Delhi AQI improves to 'poor'; 'murder' remark creates political row
What's the story
Delhi's air quality improved slightly on Sunday morning, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) moving from "very poor" to "poor," according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The national capital recorded an AQI of 269 at 7:00am, a drop from the 305 recorded at 4:00pm on Saturday. Despite this improvement, areas like ITO and parts of New Delhi remained engulfed in thick smog, NDTV reported.
Pollution levels
Shadipur records highest pollution level, Mandir Marg lowest
Shadipur recorded the highest pollution level at 335, followed by Jahangirpuri (324), Nehru Nagar (319), RK Puram (307), and the Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences in Dilshad Garden (303). All these areas fall under the "very poor" category. Meanwhile, Mandir Marg recorded the lowest AQI among major stations at 158, which falls under the "moderate" category.
Government response
Delhi government monitors pollution levels, political criticism ensues
The Delhi government said it is closely monitoring pollution levels and taking measures to curb emissions daily. However, the situation has sparked political criticism. Senior Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit slammed the government's handling of the crisis, calling worsening pollution a "murder" of Delhi residents. He said doctors have warned that living in such an environment reduces life expectancy and likened it to slowly poisoning someone to death.
Political action
Rahul Gandhi calls for parliamentary debate on air quality
Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has also demanded a parliamentary debate on Delhi's deteriorating air quality. The demand arises amid growing concerns over health risks associated with prolonged exposure to toxic air. On November 26, The CAQM's Sub-Committee annouced it was revoking its earlier order, which invoked Stage III, applicable for "severe" air quality.