Delhi Air Quality Turns Toxic Again: AQI Hits 397 : Delhi woke up to extremely polluted air on Monday as the city’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) touched 397, placing it in the ‘very poor’ category. The low wind speed and dropping temperatures continue to trap toxic pollutants over the national capital.
20 Areas Record ‘Severe’ Air Quality
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), 20 out of Delhi’s 39 monitoring stations recorded an AQI above 400, which falls under the ‘severe’ category.
The remaining 19 stations showed AQI between 300 and 400.
Some of the worst-hit areas included:
- Vivek Vihar – 458
- Rohini – 458
- Jahangirpuri – 455
- Wazirpur – 448
- DTU – 444
Delhi has been breathing toxic air for almost 18 straight days since November 6. The worsening pollution is mainly due to the onset of winter, low wind movement and farm fires after Diwali.
On Sunday at 4 PM, the 24-hour average AQI was 391, compared to 370 on Saturday and 364 on Friday, keeping Delhi firmly in the ‘very poor’ band.
Delhi Air Quality Turns Toxic Again: AQI Hits 397, Protesters Use Chilli Spray on Police : Health Concerns on the Rise
With smog covering the city for weeks, hospitals are reporting a rise in:
- Breathing issues
- Eye irritation
- Lung problems
- Asthma flare-ups
Health experts have warned that prolonged exposure can seriously affect children, elderly people and those with pre-existing conditions.
Due to the increasing pollution, the government has activated measures under Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). Some actions of Stage 4 have also been considered because air quality continues to worsen.
Protest at India Gate Turns Chaotic After Chilli Spray Incident
As Delhi’s air quality keeps declining, a group of citizens gathered at India Gate on Sunday evening to protest against rising pollution and its harmful impact on health.
However, the peaceful protest turned tense when some demonstrators allegedly used chilli spray (pepper spray) on police personnel while being removed from the area.
Delhi Air Quality Turns Toxic Again: AQI Hits 397, Protesters Use Chilli Spray on Police : Why the Clash Happened
According to police officials:
- Protesters gathered near the C-Hexagon area.
- Police requested them to move as the protest was blocking ambulances and emergency vehicles.
- The group refused to move, leading to an argument.
- Some protesters reportedly used chilli powder/pepper spray on the officers.
A senior police officer told PTI,
“This is very unusual. For the first time, protesters used pepper spray on officers managing traffic and law and order.”
Several officers suffered irritation in their eyes and face and were taken to RML Hospital for treatment. The police confirmed that legal action will be taken against those involved.
Protesters’ Statement
The protest group said:
“When the state makes the air poisonous, people have no choice but to unite and raise their voices for survival.”
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