Residents in Delhi are voicing concerns over breathing difficulties as air pollution levels rise. Environment Minister Gopal Rai announced on Friday that the government will implement drone surveillance in 13 pollution hotspots where the Air Quality Index (AQI) frequently exceeds safe levels.
During a visit to the Wazirpur industrial area, one of the identified hotspots, Rai emphasized that the AAP government is working tirelessly to tackle the pollution crisis.
Chief Justice DY Chandrachud also expressed alarm over the worsening air quality during an informal chat with journalists, noting that his doctor has advised against morning walks due to health risks posed by the pollution.
Local resident Kalyani Tiwari shared her struggles, stating, “I have been experiencing headaches and constant breathing issues due to pollution. The government must take action, especially with upcoming festivities like Chaat Puja.” Another resident warned that pollution levels could become severe enough to confine people indoors.
In response to the pollution challenge, the AAP government has introduced a winter action plan focused on reducing emissions from vehicles and biomass burning. The drone surveillance initiative aims to monitor pollution sources within a 200-meter radius in hotspots like Wazirpur. The collected images will be analyzed and reported to the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) and the Environment Department.
On Friday, Delhi was shrouded in thick smog, with an AQI reading of 283 at 8 am. Other readings included 218 at Anand Vihar, 245 at Punjabi Bagh, 276 at India Gate, and 288 at Jhilmil Industrial Area. In a letter to Chief Minister Atishi, Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena proposed deploying Civil Defence Volunteers to assist in pollution control from November through February.
Visible pollution issues include toxic foam on the Yamuna River. In a response, the Public Works Department has begun spraying water in several areas to alleviate air quality problems.
Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva criticized former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for failing to clean the Yamuna, immersing himself in the polluted waters. Following the stunt, he experienced skin rashes and breathing difficulties, leading to a doctor’s visit at RML Hospital.
In Punjab, stubble burning, often blamed for worsening Delhi’s air quality, has reportedly decreased by 16% this season, with 1,638 incidents recorded so far. The Union Health Ministry is urging all states to enhance their healthcare capabilities to combat rising pollution levels, especially during the festival season and winter months, while encouraging the public to use public transport and avoid congested areas.
