Delhi Chokes as AQI Hits 347, Dense Smog Blankets NCR

New Delhi: Residents in Delhi urged ministration to check on alarming level of pollution in national capital demanding long-term solution as Air Quality Index (AQI) continue to remain in 'very poor' category for second week post- Diwali .

Several parts of city was covered in smog on Tuesday morning with many residents complaining difficulty in breathing amid deteriorating air quality.

According to Central Pollution Control Board's (CPCB) data, Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi was recorded at 355 as of 8 am today, categorised as ‘very poor.’

Varun, a cyclist at Kartavya Path, said, “I have been staying in Delhi for last 25 years, I have been cycling here regularly from last two to three years, pollution increases during this period only, government focuses only on crackers but y are t main reason behind this. main reason is stubble burning in nearby states.”

Ar Delhi resident, Ankit Sachdeva, said, “We pay taxes to government for facilities but we have to fix this as well. Government needs to check pollution.”

Ashok Vihar recorded an AQI of 390, Dwarka Sector 8 at 367, DTU at 366, Jahangiripuri at 417, Lodhi Ro at 313, Mundka at 404, Najafgarh at 355, Narela at 356, as per SAFAR India.

Air Quality Index (AQI) in Anand Vihar area dipped to 'severe' category, as per CPCB data. Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 403, Prataprganj 371, Pusa at 320, RK Puram at 365, Rohini at 415, Shipur at 359 and Vivek Vihar at 385.

An AQI is considered "poor" between '200 and 300', "very poor" at '301 and 400', "severe" at '401-450," and 450 and above is “severe plus.”

On Monday, Supreme Court said that right to live in a pollution-free atmosphere is a fundamental right of every citizen under Article 21 of Indian Constitution and religion encours any activity that creates pollution.

Questioning authorities for ir failure to implement ban on firecrackers in Delhi during Diwali, a bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih furr said that if firecrackers are burnt in this fashion, it also affects fundamental right to health of citizens.

" right to live in a pollution-free atmosphere is a fundamental right of every citizen, which is protected by Article 21 of Constitution of India. Prima facie, we are of view that religion encours any activity that creates pollution or compromises health of people. If firecrackers are burnt in this fashion, it also affects fundamental right to health of citizens," said bench.

  (Except for heline, this story has t been edited by Republic and is published from a syndicated feed.)