Image used for illustrative purpose. Photo: ANI
On Wednesday, eight flights were diverted at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in the national capital due to low visibility. Sources report that seven flights bound for Jaipur and one for Lucknow were diverted starting from 7am on Wednesday. A thick layer of smog enveloped Delhi, causing the Air Quality Index (AQI) to plummet to 361, categorized as 'Very Poor'. Residents have reported issues such as low visibility on roads, eye irritation, and breathlessness.
Upendra Singh, a local resident, commented: "The pollution levels have surged, and with the drop in temperatures, we are encountering numerous problems. Road visibility is almost non-existent, and we are experiencing eye irritation, a runny nose, breathlessness, and coughing." According to the Central Pollution Control Board, the AQI in Anand Vihar dropped to 399, 382 in Punjabi Bagh, and 376 in Ashok Vihar by 8am.
A senior citizen lamented that he and his grandchildren were suffering from breathing difficulties and throat pain due to the pollution. "We are enduring significant hardships. As a senior citizen, my grandchildren are also struggling while going to school. We are experiencing breathing problems, eye irritation, and throat pain. The primary culprits behind this are vehicle emissions and stubble burning. Immediate action is necessary," he stated.
On Monday, the Supreme Court emphasized that the right to live in a pollution-free environment is a fundamental right of every citizen under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution.
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