Air quality poor, but better than last Diwali

Delhi recorded an air quality index (AQI) of 323 on Tuesday morning, indicating very poor air, while in neighboring Noida, the AQI fell to 342, a level considered dangerous, especially for people with respiratory ailments. . By 4 pm, the air quality improved to 303 and 299 respectively.

Unlike last year, only a few cities, including Delhi, recorded the air quality in the ‘very poor’ category. The air quality remained poor in many cities like Lucknow, Jaipur, Chennai and Mumbai, with AQI ranging from 201 to 300. The people of Kolkata heaved a sigh of relief as the cyclonic storm helped bring the AQI to a safe 47.

While Diwali is celebrated all over India with the noise of lights and fireworks, the toxic smoke emitted from firecrackers makes the air unbreathable with the prevailing weather conditions, making sick children, pregnant women and the elderly sick. . Often, and especially in Delhi and its suburbs, the illegal burning of crop stubble to clear the way for the next crop makes air pollution even more widespread.

“The level of AQI this year is comparatively low as compared to the figures of previous years around Diwali. Incidental incidents like crackers and stubble burning during Diwali are always a matter of concern for us. However, for stubble burning, we have a comprehensive action plan which we have distributed to the states,” said Arvind Nautiyal, member secretary of the Air Quality Management Commission.

While Central Pollution Control Board monitors showed particulate matter (PM) levels were lower than last year, it was above the daily safe limit of 60 ug/m3. Similarly, the air quality in Mumbai, Pune and Ahmedabad also remained ‘poor’, which is likely to turn ‘moderate’ in the next two days, SAFAR data showed. While the air quality was relatively better on average, in some areas the air was worse than in others. Doctors in Delhi said they have been getting a lot of calls from patients complaining of shortness of breath. Medical experts said that people infected with Kovid or those with pre-existing respiratory disease are at risk of serious pulmonary complications in the coming days if the air quality remains poor.

“Today itself, we have many patients in the OPD complaining of chest tightness, breathlessness, cough and sneezing. The reason for this is the high level of pollutants in the air caused by the bursting of firecrackers. The smoke from stubble burning will again worsen the air quality in Delhi-NCR in the coming days. Therefore, people should continue to wear N-95 masks, which are best suited to combat the ill effects of air pollution when pollution levels are at alarming levels,” said Dr Bobby Bhalotra at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi. Said. World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution kills 7 million people annually. Nine out of 10 people breathe air that has been polluted by traffic emissions, industry, agriculture and waste incineration.

“Next 24-48 hours are very important for patients who are suffering from pre-existing lung diseases like COPD (Chronic Inflammatory Lung Disease) and asthma as the rising air pollution levels in Delhi may worsen their health condition. . Such people need to be extra careful,” said Dr Vikas Maurya, head of the pulmonary department at Delhi’s Fortis Hospital.