Delhi AQI level drops to 226; residents face breathing issues

NEW DELHI: A layer of smog enveloped New Delhi on Saturday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) dropping to 226, considered 'Poor' by the Central Pollution Control Board.
The highest AQI levels were recorded at Akshardham and Anand Vihar, reaching 334, categorized as 'Very Poor'.

AIIMS and surrounding areas reported an AQI of 253, while India Gate saw levels at 251, also categorized as 'Poor'.
Local resident Ashish Kumar Meena noted a significant rise in pollution in the Akshardham area over the last two days, causing health issues.

He stated, "The pollution level here has increased a lot in the last two days. It has led to choking in the throat and breathing issues and has also been causing irritation in the eyes. After Diwali, the pollution levels will increase more. The government needs to take steps to control the level of pollution. People who are burning substances in the fire should be imposed with fines. The ones who have respiratory problems must be suffering so much."
Another resident emphasized the importance of public transport to help reduce pollution, suggesting, "People should use more of public transport and try to use carpooling. This would help in reducing the pollution levels in the city."
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla said, On the worsening of the air quality in Delhi, "Delhi has become a virtual gas chamber. It is difficult to breathe and the AQI is constantly rising. There is thick foam on the Yamuna River. "
"Whether it is air or water, everything is polluted. Thanks to AAP polluted politics.Gopal Rai is taking meetings. Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann is blaming someone else for the stubble burning in Punjab...They have imposed a ban on burning firecrackers.The money is being spent on corruption.", said Poonawalla.