​Delhi’s pollution woes: National capital battles smog and toxic river foam

Pollution has once again become a hot topic for the Delhi people as Air Quality Index (AQI) rose to "Poor" and "very Poor", raising concerns. (Photos:Agencies)

As the AQI reached near 300, fluctuating between "poor" and "very poor" categories, a thin layer of smog could be seen. (Photo: ANI)

According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the 24-hour average AQI was recorded at 278 at 4 pm on Saturday.
Of the 36 monitoring stations, 11 -- Anand Vihar, Bawana, Dwarka, Jahangirpuri, Mundka, Narela, Patparganj, Rohini, Shadipur, Sonia Vihar, Wazirpur -- recorded 'very poor' air quality. An AQI between zero and 50 is considered 'good', 51 and 100 'satisfactory', 101 and 200 'moderate', 201 and 300 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', and 401 and 500 'severe'. (Photo: ANI)

The Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi, a forecasting body under the union ministry of earth sciences, predicts that the overall AQI will likely deteriorate and enter the 'very poor' category from Sunday to Tuesday. The EWS released a statement on Saturday, saying, "The outlook for the subsequent six days from Oct 22 onwards is that the air quality is likely to be in the 'very poor' to 'poor' category."

A survey conducted by LocalCircles revealed that 36% of families in Delhi-NCR have at least one member suffering from pollution-related ailments such as sore throat, cough, and breathing difficulties. Additionally, 27% reported symptoms like a runny nose and congestion. Despite poor air quality, 27% of respondents said they were not facing any health issues. Only 18% plan to use air purifiers, while many prefer boosting immunity through food and drink. Around 22% are considering leaving the city temporarily to escape the peak pollution period during Diwali. (Photo: ANI)

An anti-smog vehicle sprinkled water in an effort to curb air pollution amid the deteriorating air quality. (Photo: ANI)

The Yamuna River has been blanketed with a dense white foam since the Friday morning, causing concern among experts who have cautioned against entering the water as people prepare for Chhath festival, during which devotees traditionally take a dip in the river.

Union minister of State Harsh Malhotra inspected the polluted Yamuna river, at Kalindi Kunj. He said, "In the Kalindi Kunj area, the oxygen level in the Yamuna River is zero...The Rs 3000 crore given by the Central Government to the Delhi Government for cleaning the Yamuna River fell prey to corruption...The AAP government is an expert in spreading lies and confusing the public." (Photo: PTI)

Experts have urged the government to address the pollution levels in the river, especially as major festivals like Chhath Puja are approaching. The pungent foam contains high levels of ammonia and phosphates, posing serious health risks, including respiratory and skin problems, according to environmental experts. (Photo: PTI)