Delhi Grapples with 'Very Poor' Air Quality amid Rising Pollution Concerns

Toxic smog engulfed Delhi ahead of Diwali, with AQI levels soaring over 300. The BJP staged protests against Punjab's handling of stubble burning, pointing fingers at AAP. Meanwhile, toxic foam floated on the Yamuna, and leaders sought discussions with Punjab's CM over pollution worries.

On the eve of the Diwali festival, Delhi grappled with a severe smog issue as the capital's air quality plunged into the 'very poor' category. The Central Pollution Control Board reported an alarming Air Quality Index (AQI) exceeding 300 at 7:00 am on Wednesday.

Specific areas such as Anand Vihar, Bawana, and Wazipur recorded disconcerting AQI levels at 351, 319, and 327 respectively while Aya Nagar hit the 'poor' category with an AQI of 290. Delhi's ITO barely fared better with a 'poor' AQI of 284. Adding to the pollution woes, the Yamuna River at Kalindi Kunj was observed with a floating toxic foam, manifesting the high pollution levels.

In a political twist, the Delhi BJP targeted Punjab over handling stubble burning, which exacerbates air pollution. Leaders protested at Kapurthala House against Punjab's Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and sought a meeting to express their concerns. Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva cited 108 incidents of stubble burning in Punjab, arguing that the blame unfairly shifted to neighboring states like Haryana and UP.

(With inputs from agencies.)