South African cricket icon Jonty Rhodes recently highlighted the severe air quality issues in Delhi. He expressed his concerns while en route to Ranchi, emphasizing the stark contrast between Delhi’s pollution and the fresh air of his residence in Goa.
Jonty Rhodes Critiques Delhi’s Air Quality
In a social media post, Rhodes described Delhi’s air quality as “hard to digest.” He also shared his gratitude for living in a peaceful fishing village in South Goa, expressing relief at being away from the pollution.
Delhi’s Pollution Crisis
On Monday, Delhi experienced hazardous air conditions, with a significant smog covering the city. The temperature dropped to 11.6°C, and the air quality remained classified as “very poor.” Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) indicated an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 346 at 6:05 am.
AQI Levels Across Delhi
- Bawana: 412 (worst AQI)
- Wazirpur: 397
- Jahangirpuri: 394
- Nehru Nagar: 386
Pollution levels have been alarmingly high at most monitoring stations. The city has faced deteriorating air quality for four consecutive days, nearing the “severe” category. Notably, Sunday recorded an average AQI of 370, the second-highest this season.
Government Response to Air Quality Issues
Delhi’s environment minister, Manjinder Singh Sirsa, pointed out that the city government is implementing various measures to combat pollution. These include installing sprinklers and establishing stricter pollution norms for industries. Sirsa criticized the previous government, highlighting that ten years of inaction cannot be rectified in just seven months.
He mentioned that funds were misallocated towards advertisements instead of addressing the pollution crisis effectively. He reiterated the government’s commitment to improving air quality in the capital.
