As the Air Quality Index (AQI) in several parts of Delhi-NCR is reeling under the 'severe' category, the number of people with respiratory and other problems has increased in the national capital, a health expert said on Friday.
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Friday raised concerns over the rise in air pollution in the country and called for a total revamp of the Air Pollution Act and air quality standards to make them stringent and effective.
Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Friday said that the government cannot control the pollution in the national capital completely and that sources outside the city cause twice the pollution than inside.
As the air quality in several parts of Delhi-NCR plunged to the 'severe' category on Friday morning, citizens experienced breathing problems and irritation in the eye among others.
The air quality in several parts of Delhi reeled under the 'severe' category on Friday morning with Mundka recording the highest Air Quality Index (498), as per Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
The report, on analysis of air quality over the past five years, said that while air pollution has increased in the country's four major cities, it has fallen in state capitals like Lucknow and Patna, according to a recent report.
In view of the implementation of the GRAP-III stage to combat pollution in Delhi, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) will be adding 20 extra trips across its network starting tomorrow.
Amid the rising pollution and deteriorating air quality, the next 15 days are going to be crucial said Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Thursday.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) in the national capital was recorded at 336 on Wednesday morning bringing the air quality under the 'very poor' category for the fourth day in a row and the third straight day this week.
The overall air quality in Delhi continued to remain in the 'very poor' category for the third straight day on Tuesday morning, as per the SAFAR-India.
According to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR)-India, the overall air quality in the national capital is in the 'poor' category with an AQI of 286.