Delhi-NCR continue to battle air pollution, AQI hovers around 482 in capital

The air pollution levels in Delhi and its adjoining areas remained in the 'severe' category for the third consecutive day despite the implementation of the Odd-Even scheme.

Ghaziabad, Faridabad, Gurugram, and Noida were engulfed by a thick blanket of smog in the morning today, which reduced visibility on the roads and caused problems to commuters.

The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) in the national capital on Friday was recorded at 482 which falls under the 'Severe' category with PM10 being 504 and PM2.5 - 332, according to Center-run SAFAR.

The AQI recorded near Mathura Road in Delhi was 554 (PM10) at 9:00 am on Friday, while near the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) airport, the AQI stood at 560 (PM10), Chandni Chowk recorded an AQI of 484 (PM10) and 488 ( PM2.5).

Residents who came for a morning walk in Lodhi Garden complained of breathlessness.

(A visual from Delhi)

"Pollution has increased in Delhi in the past 2-3 days. It is very important for everyone to maintain fitness in this weather. I am wearing a mask for the very first time as the air has become toxic," said Dr Ashish Gupta, a resident of Delhi.

Another resident of the city, Kartar Singh stressed that people must also help in efforts to deal with the problem, "We should plant more trees and use public transport. If we will not take such steps, it will become worse in the coming years."

Residents of Uttar Pradesh's Ghaziabad and Noida complained of eye irritation and breathlessness due to dust particles in the air.

"We go to the park for a run every day. But we are not able to exercise rigorously due to the spike in air pollution. Also, garbage is being burnt here because of which there is a lot of smoke that causes suffocation in the wee hours," said Ayush, a resident of Ghaziabad.

Vikrant Tripathi of Noida told ANI that his children were affected by air pollution and urged authorities to take necessary measures to deal with the problem, "More and more people are falling ill. My children are not able to go out. Some people residing in Noida are suffering from respiratory illness. The administration must do something."

( A visual from Noida, UP)

The situation was the same in Haryana's Gurugram in the morning.

People complained of fatigue and breathlessness while moving about outdoors.

"The air has become very poisonous today. I have irritation in my eyes due to dust particles in the air. And I believe the condition will become worse in the coming days," said Raju Kumar from Gurugram.