What Is The Reason Behind Worsening AQI in Delhi's Anand Vihar? AAP Lists This As Major Factor

Delhi: The Delhi government, led by the Aam Aadmi Party with Atishi as Chief Minister, has identified buses from Uttar Pradesh as a major factor in the deteriorating air quality in the Anand Vihar area, reported ANI. During an inspection on Sunday, CM Atishi and Environment Minister Gopal Rai noted that the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Anand Vihar had plummeted to a severe level of 454 by 8:30 am.Atishi stated that 99 teams have been formed to control dust across the city. She also mentioned the deployment of over 325 smog guns to combat pollution. “We have repaired all roads in the area to prevent dust from rising, and we are conducting drives to remove encroachments that contribute to congestion,” she added.The Chief Minister expressed that discussions with the Uttar Pradesh government are essential, as the majority of the pollution in Anand Vihar is attributed to the diesel buses arriving from the state. “Haryana and UP are also releasing untreated effluents into the Yamuna, which is a growing concern for us,” she said.Environment Minister Gopal Rai echoed Atishi's sentiments, stating that the smoke from the UP buses is significantly worsening Delhi's pollution levels. He urged the UP government to implement water sprinkling at the Kaushambi bus depot to help mitigate the situation. “The pollution level in Anand Vihar has remained high for the last few days. We need to work together to find a solution,” he stated.As pollution levels in Delhi continue to rise, fog covered parts of the city on Sunday morning. Other areas were recorded concerning AQI levels, with Dwarka at 311 (very poor), ITO at 232 (poor), and Jahangirpuri at 350 (very poor). The Central Pollution Control Board has warned that severe AQI levels can impact even healthy individuals and pose serious risks for those with existing health issues.In addition, toxic foam has been seen on the Yamuna River in the Kalindi Kunj area, raising alarms about the pollution affecting the waterway. As the Delhi government works to address these issues, residents are urged to take precautions against the health risks posed by the deteriorating air quality.