New Delhi, Nov 4: Air pollution levels rose sharply in parts of northern India and Pakistan on Tuesday. According to India’s Central Pollution Control Board, Delhi’s air quality index (AQI) reached 332, placing it in the ‘very poor’ category.
In Pakistan’s Lahore, the AQI climbed to 447, according to IQAir. The concentration of PM2.5 particles was 60 times higher than the World Health Organization’s recommended limit.
Air pollution tends to worsen across the region at this time of year. Emissions from vehicles, construction activities and crop residue burning become trapped in cold, stagnant air, creating a thick layer of smog. This raises pollution levels and increases the risk of respiratory illnesses among local residents.
Delhi has introduced measures to curb pollution, including restrictions on polluting vehicles and construction activities. However, concerns are growing that firecrackers during Diwali, which falls on November 8, could further worsen air quality.
India’s Supreme Court has allowed only low-emission firecrackers for the festival. However, a media report says all types of firecrackers are being sold in markets. Source: Reuters
People’s News Monitoring Service
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