On Monday, Delhi's people woke to a morning of toxic smog as the city's AQI touched 397 at 6 am. According to CPCB, persistently low wind speed and a plunge in temperatures have trapped pollutants close to the surface, keeping the capital's air in the ‘very poor’ category for nearly 18 continuous days since November 6.
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Of the 39 monitoring stations across Delhi, 20 reported AQI levels above 400, categorised officially as ‘severe’. The remaining 19 stations recorded readings between 300 and 400. Some of the worst-hit locations included Vivek Vihar and Rohini at 458, Jahangirpuri at 455, Wazirpur at 448 and DTU at 444.
On Sunday, Delhi's 24-hour average AQI stood at 391 at 4 pm, slightly higher than Saturday's 370 and Friday's 364. As per a report by the Hindustan Times, sustained deterioration is being blamed on the onset of winter and post-Diwali farm fires in the neighbouring states.
The report also states that the continued exposure to polluted air has raised health concerns, with hospitals seeing a rise in respiratory, eye, and lung-related complaints. Measures under Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan have already been triggered.
Protest turns chaotic at India Gate
The public frustration spilt onto the streets as smog continued to choke the air. A protest by citizens in front of India Gate on Sunday evening, demanding immediate action against air pollution, went awry with some protesters allegedly using chilli spray on police personnel.
The group had gathered near the C-Hexagon area. Police said they asked protesters to move as their gathering was blocking ambulances and medical teams trying to pass through, a senior officer told PTI. However, when the crowd resisted, a scuffle reportedly broke out.
