Respiratory illness rising amid poor AQI in Delhi, Centre doubles fine for stubble burning
Image for representational purpose
India’s national capital New Delhi has been witnessing extremely poor air quality for weeks now, rising cases of respiratory issues. A doctor from Delhi’s Sir Ganga Ram Hospital Friday (Nov 8) said many people are complaining about experiencing sleepless nights due to chronic cough.
Dr Bobby Bhalotra, vice chairman of the Department of Respiratory Medicine at the hospital, told news agency ANI that the number of people reporting breathlessness has increased.
"Many patients are experiencing sleepless nights due to persistent cough. Those with asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), chronic smokers, and individuals working in dusty environments, particularly police personnel, are seeing their conditions worsen. Every citizen must take responsibility to reduce pollution and limit exposure," he said.
New Delhi’s air quality has remained in the ‘very poor’ category for the last eight days since the Diwali festival. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) recorded Delhi’s pollution AQI level at 383 at 8:00 am (local time) on Friday.
In other areas, Alipur recorded an AQI of 397, Bawana 440, Dwarka Sector 8 at 391, Mundka at 428, Najafgarh at 374, New Moti Bagh at 427, Rohini at 439, Punjabi Bagh at 406, and RK Puram at 406, according to SAFAR. These areas reported very poor to severe air quality, posing significant health risks.
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Watch:New Delhi: Indian Capital Chokes Under Blanket Of Smog As AQI Drops To 'Severe' Category
Meanwhile, the Indian government has now doubled the fine for stubble burning, a widespread practice in the northern agrarian states of Haryana and Punjab.
The decision by the government of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi comes after India’s apex court blasted it last month for failing to stop stubble burning and to control the levels of pollution across the national capital region. As per the new directives, a farmer having an area of land of less than two acres shall pay an environmental compensation of Rs 5000 ($60). Earlier, this penalty stood at Rs 2,500.
(With inputs from agencies)