Even before Diwali, the air quality in Delhi-NCR has become very worrying. The average Air Quality Index (AQI) of Delhi-NCR was recorded at 254, which falls in the ‘poor’ category. Particularly, AQI was 390 in Anand Vihar, 351 in Wazirpur and 342 in Jahangirpuri, which fall under the ‘very poor’ category.
at 8 am Delhi The average AQI was above 225, which means the air is very close to ‘severe’ levels. PM 2.5 particles in the air were 149 micrograms per cubic meter, which is several times more than the World Health Organization (WHO) limit. PM 10 particles were also recorded at 239 micrograms per cubic meter. Due to slow wind speed (only 5 kilometers per hour), smoke and polluted particles remained trapped in the city and a smog situation was created.
Talking about other cities of NCR, AQI was recorded at 288 in Noida, 266 in Gurugram, 272 in Greater Noida and 306 in Ghaziabad, which makes it one of the most polluted areas of the country.
According to experts, stubble burning in Punjab-Haryana, smoke emanating from vehicles on the roads and slow wind speed have together created this serious situation. The first phase of GRAP is already implemented, but there has been no significant improvement in air quality. And the situation may worsen in the next two days.
Before Diwali, the Supreme Court has allowed only green firecrackers, but if the rules are ignored, the air can become even more poisonous. At present, experts are calling it as harmful as smoking about 5.6 cigarettes every day.
Also read: RUSH before Dhanteras… Jam seen everywhere in Delhi, Noida and Gurugram
Ways to avoid pollution
During Diwali and other festivals air pollution The level increases a lot, which is very harmful for our health. It is necessary to take some simple but effective steps to prevent pollution.
First of all, it is important to stay indoors and keep windows and doors closed to avoid outside smoke and pollutants. Use of air purifier or portable air conditioner at home helps in keeping the air pure. Whenever going out, it is essential to wear an N95 or better mask, as these provide protection from PM 2.5 and other toxic particles.
To save the environment, use green crackers, which have been allowed by the Supreme Court. Minimize use of vehicles during Diwali because running of more vehicles increases air pollution.
To keep the body healthy and hydrated, one should drink more water. This keeps the lungs clean and the body does not get dehydrated. Planting plants in the house is also a good solution because plants help in purifying the air.
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