Delhi residents escape to Goa to gasp for fresh air

Many residents of Delhi are going to Goa as the national capital continues to gasp for fresh air due to the air pollution situation. Kunal a resident of Delhi stated that "We all know there is a health emergency situation in Delhi due to pollution and the Air Quality Index (AQI) is bad. We are here for three days for some relief.” Kunal added, "Everyone should follow Odd-Even and car-pool to reduce pollution.

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'We were not able to breathe in Delhi'

Echoing the same sentiments as Kunal, another resident of Delhi, Piyush stated, “We were not able to breathe in Delhi due to pollution. We have an extended weekend for our children and so we decided to visit Goa.” Delhi resident Vidya commented, "I am able to breathe here. The air is so fresh and rejuvenating.” Khushbu, another resident of Delhi said, "The weather here is so beautiful. In Delhi, it was hard to even breathe.”

The national capital hoped for a reduction in pollution levels after it drizzled on Thursday afternoon. However, there was no relief for the residents. On Friday, according to weather forecaster, System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR) the air quality is "very poor" in Delhi. According to Air Quality Index (AQI) data, major pollutants PM 2.5 at 241 and PM 10 at 238. Both the AQIs were in the 'poor' category in the Lodhi Road area.

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People advised to reduce heavy exertion

According to reports, the spike in air pollution is primarily due to insufficient rainfall and low wind speed. The Center-run SAFAR has advised people to reduce prolonged or heavy exertion. "Take more breaks and do less intense activities. Asthmatics, keep medicine ready if symptoms of coughing or shortness of breath occur. Heart patients, see doctor, if get palpitations, shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue," it said in an advisory. 

According to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR), the Air Quality Index (AQI) went over 300 in the national capital. An AQI between 0-50 is considered 'good', 51-100 'satisfactory', 101-200 'moderate', 201-300 'poor', 301-400 'very poor' and 401-500 'severe'. Above 500 falls in the 'severe-plus emergency' category. Residents of Delhi have been complaining about the poor air quality in the national capital as it has been affecting their health. According to the residents, the pollution has increased in the last 10 days. They stated that they feel suffocated while walking and also feel itchiness in the throat. 

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(INPUTS FROM ANI)