Delhi’s air quality equivalent to smoking 49 cigarettes daily

Air quality in Delhi has deteriorated to alarming levels, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 978, equivalent to smoking 49.02 cigarettes daily, according to data from aqi.in. The worsening pollution has been attributed to multiple factors, including firecrackers and stubble burning, leaving the national capital choking under a toxic haze.

Residents of Uttar Pradesh are also facing significant health risks, with an AQI of 273, translating to smoking 10.16 cigarettes daily.

The Supreme Court criticized the AAP-led Delhi government for delays in implementing Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) despite the critical situation. The court ruled that preventive measures under GRAP Stage 4 must not be reduced, even if the AQI falls below 450.

The escalating pollution poses severe health hazards, underscoring the urgent need for robust and sustained action to combat the crisis.