Breathing crisis worsens in National Capital amid ‘severe’ pollution levels
New Delhi, November 13: Delhi’s air pollution crisis escalated sharply this morning as toxic smog blanketed the national capital, pushing the Air Quality Index (AQI) into the “Severe” category at 417 near AIIMS and 414 in Anand Vihar, while Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium recorded a “Very Poor” reading of 374, leaving residents struggling to breathe.
If this trend continues, it will not take long for Delhi to turn into a gas chamber. However, the government has claimed to have made several efforts to curb air pollution. The increasing level of pollution in Delhi-NCR after Diwali remains a matter of serious concern. Experts say that instead of imposing restrictions only during festivals, it is necessary to work on the permanent causes of pollution throughout the year.
It’s worth noting that on November 9, the day after Diwali, Delhi woke up to a thick blanket of smog and pollution. The capital’s AQI was recorded at 372 at 10 am, falling into the “very poor” category. By 7 pm, it had dropped to around 333, but the air quality remained extremely poor.
Political controversy over rising pollution in Delhi is not new. Delhi government minister Kapil Mishra questioned the sudden increase in stubble burning incidents in Punjab on Diwali.
Mishra claimed that some farmers in Punjab complained that their fields were deliberately set on fire while they were celebrating Diwali with their families.
Meanwhile, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Saurabh Bhardwaj rejected these allegations. He said that it can take two to three days for smoke to reach Delhi from Punjab. Therefore, the smoke from stubble burning in Punjab on Diwali night cannot reach Delhi in a matter of minutes.
November Comparison (2018–2023):
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2018: 335
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2019: 312
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2020: 328
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2021: 377
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2022: 320
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2023: 373
