Delhi Air Pollution: The air quality in Delhi and its nearby cities has significantly worsened in the past few days, leading to concerns among the residents and authorities. As per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of Delhi on Wednesday was recorded at 373, which falls under the 'very poor' category. The AQI in some industrial regions remained above 500 in the early hours. The Delhi government has assured that necessary steps are being taken to control the situation.

While the air quality significantly improved in the last week of October due to rainfall, the situation has worsened in the past few days. The AQI in the capital city remained different in multiple parts of the city, but it was largely recorded above 300. The AQI of Alipur was recorded at 619, Bawana 361, Rohini 433, Sonia Vihar 425, Mundka 722, Punjabi Bagh 490, Jhilmil Industry Area 479, and Mandir Marg 418. As per the records, the air quality on Wednesday was worst in the past 287 days.

Reason Behind Crisis

The air quality has worsened primarily due to a sudden drop in temperature that has affected the wind movement. While the toxic air is moving towards the northern states, including those of Pakistan, it has remained stuck in Delhi.

A surge in the stubble-burning cases and reduction in the rain activities are also the reason behind this situation. The air quality could further deteriorate in the coming days with more reduction in temperature and bursting of firecrackers during Diwali.

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Delhi Govt Accuses AAP

Earlier, Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa alleged that the Punjab Police personnel have been involved in the cases of stubble burning in Punjab. He further stated that while such cases in Haryana have remained low, Punjab has witnessed a surge in stubble burning cases.

"The Punjab government has spent Rs 20-25 crore on advertisements to claim that no stubble burning is taking place in the state. On the other hand, it is registering FIRs against farmers," Sirsa stated. However, the Aam Aadmi Party accused the Delhi government of making excuses for its own failures.

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