Delhi-NCR gasped for breath on Wednesday as the noxious smog resulting from raging farm fires and unfavourable weather pushed pollution levels towards the “emergency” zone for the third time in the last 15 days.
A large number of children were exposed to the harmful spike in pollution as schools remained opened on Wednesday.
Pictures of students with their faces covered with anti-pollution masks and handkerchiefs were shared widely on social media.
ADVERTISEMENT
Scores of people also posted pictures of open burning of garbage and heaps of construction waste lying uncovered in several areas.
“#DelhiAirPollution what’s the use of being a developing country if our children are not permitted to breathe in clean air...Must think seriously about solutions as soon as possible before any emergency occurs.#DelhiAirEmergency,” a Twitter user said.
The odd-even scheme resumed on Wednesday after a two-day hold on restrictions in view of the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said the odd-even road rationing scheme can be extended if needed.
ADVERTISEMENT
At 11.30 am, Delhi’s overall air quality index read 454. Jahangirpuri and Rohini were the most-polluted areas with an AQI of 483, followed by Mundka (479) and Bawana (479). Faridabad (436), Ghaziabad (468), Greater Noida (459), Gurgaon (450) and Noida (469) also choked on extremely polluted air.
The levels of PM10 increased to 506 micrograms per cubic meter in the morning, more than five times the safe limit of 100 micrograms per cubic meter.
According to experts, a fall in the temperature and wind speed led, compounded by a cloud cover that blocked sunlight, led to the spike in pollution levels.