- By Priyanka Koul
- Tue, 19 Nov 2024 02:35 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Delhi AQI: Entire north India has been reeling under dense smog as AQI levels in parts of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana have dropped to the severe plus category with a significant drop in visibility. At least two people lost their lives while dozens were injured in separate accidents in Delhi and Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday morning due to reduced visibility
Thick grey smog shrouded Delhi on Tuesday with the pollution levels remaining alarmingly high at around 500 in the 'severe plus' category for the third day in a row. Out of the 32 monitoring stations in the capital, 31 recorded AQI levels exceeding 480. Several cities in Uttar Pradesh including Noida, Greater Noida, Ghaziabad, Meerut, Mathura, Agra and Bulandshahr also recorded pollution levels in the severe category.
Multiple Accidents in Uttar Pradesh Due to Low Visibility
One of the major accidents occurred on the Eastern Peripheral Expressway, where a truck collided with another due to low visibility. A bus travelling from Panipat to Mathura failed to spot the trucks and crashed into them from behind, injuring over a dozen passengers, who were rushed to hospital.
In another incident near Agra, six vehicles were involved in a crash after a pickup truck broke down in the middle of the road. The vehicles behind it could not see the stalled truck due to the dense smog, causing a pile-up. Several people were injured and taken to Saifai Medical College for treatment. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with multiple cars crashing into one another after failing to notice the truck in time.
Also Read: Man Asks For Better City To Raise Kids; Long List Of Criteria Draws Suggestions And Reactions
In Bulandshahr, a speeding truck rear-ended a motorcycle, killing the rider instantly. The victim, Mansharam, a resident of Mainpuri, was on his way along National Highway 34 when the accident occurred. The police have arrested the truck driver. In a similar incident in Badaun, a teacher named Santosh Singh, who was on his way to school in Mau, died after he was struck by an unidentified vehicle from behind.
A Bolero collided with a buffalo-drawn cart in front of Gotka village on the Meerut-Karnal Highway in the Sarurpur police station. The buffalo was killed on the spot while the farmer died while being taken to hospital.
On Tuesday morning, another incident occurred near the Delhi-Kanpur Highway, where more than 15 vehicles collided on the Parai Overbridge in the Gabhana area. Many people were injured and have been admitted to the district hospital.`
Delhi Air Pollution
People are facing a range of health issues, from sore throats and headaches to more serious breathing difficulties. The toxic air has made life particularly challenging for those with pre-existing respiratory conditions. Schools in Delhi and Gautam Buddha Nagar district in UP have been closed for physical classes. The Delhi government has also staggered office timings, while many private institutions have implemented work-from-home policies.
Delhi is under GRAP (Graded Response Action Plan) Stage IV restrictions, to reduce vehicular and industrial pollution. Restrictions have been imposed on BS III petrol and BSIV diesel cars and trucks to curb the number of vehicles entering the city.
Residents are also encouraged to take precautions, such as wearing N95 masks, limiting outdoor activities, and using air purifiers at home to protect themselves from the harmful effects of the toxic air.