The air quality in the national capital has deteriorated drastically, plunging into alarming zones as toxic smog engulfs the city. On the day of Diwali, even before evening celebrations and fireworks could begin, several neighborhoods recorded pollution levels soaring past the four hundred mark. Early morning monitoring at seven o'clock showed the Air Quality Index hitting four hundred and fifty in Jahangirpuri. Similarly, Punjabi Bagh recorded an extremely poor reading of four hundred and forty-nine. Such hazardous atmospheric conditions mean that breathing the open air exposes residents to severe health risks, with experts warning that conditions will only worsen once firecrackers are burst.
Pockets Of Severe Contamination Across The Capital
The overall air quality index average for Delhi settled at three hundred and eighty-four, placing it firmly in the very poor category. Multiple specific localities witnessed AQI numbers climbing past four hundred into the severe bracket, including Rohini at four hundred and forty-five and Chandni Chowk at four hundred and twenty. Meanwhile, other areas also suffered heavily, with ITO registering three hundred and ninety-six, Wazirpur at three hundred and ninety-one, Uttam Nagar at three hundred and seventy-three, and Aya Nagar at three hundred and sixty-five. Anand Vihar and Badarpur recorded readings of three hundred and forty-four and three hundred and forty-nine respectively.
Medical Experts Issue Health Warnings And Precautions
Health professionals have urged citizens to exercise caution regarding both dietary habits during festivities and protection against toxic air exposure. Cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Shriram Nene noted that while consuming sweets occasionally during festivals is acceptable, overindulgence should be avoided. Former AIIMS director Dr. Randeep Guleria advised individuals suffering from pre-existing medical conditions to refrain from stepping outdoors during early morning and late evening hours. Mumbai-based ENT surgeon Dr. Varun Dave stated that breathing air with an AQI around two hundred and fifty can be as harmful to the lungs as smoking ten to fifteen cigarettes daily. Furthermore, Medanta Lucknow pulmonologist Dr. Abhishek Tandon recommended keeping doors and windows shut, utilizing air purifiers, and wearing high-quality N95 masks when venturing outside.
