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Delhi’s air quality has deteriorated significantly, with pollution levels rising to “very poor” and even “severe” levels in many areas. Environment Minister Gopal Rai has convened a meeting with relevant departments on Tuesday to discuss the urgent situation and potential solutions.

Over the past few days, air quality in the capital has hovered in the danger zone. According to the Air Quality Index (AQI) scale, a reading of 200 to 300 is classified as “poor”, 301 to 400 as “very poor”, and 401 to 450 as “severe”. Any value above 450 is considered a “serious plus.” The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) said Delhi’s AQI stood at 384 early Tuesday morning, while some districts like Mundka, Vivek Vihar, Ashok Vihar and Anand Vihar recorded readings above 400, indicating to serious contamination and increased health risks.

Rai shed light on the need for a coordinated effort by all northern Indian states to tackle the worsening pollution problem, criticizing the BJP-led governments in states like Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan for focusing more on “politics” than practical solutions. “The Delhi government is working tirelessly while the BJP government is just watching from the sidelines,” he said, calling for a united response from neighboring states.

Individual districts recorded alarming AQI levels around 8 am on Tuesday with Anand Vihar at 457, Vivek Vihar at 424, Ashoka Vihar at 418 and Rohini at 401, all falling under the severe category. These dangerous levels pose a serious health risk, especially for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly and people with respiratory conditions.

(PTI)