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Delhi is enduring a severe cold wave, compounded by worsening air quality, as temperatures dip and pollution levels soar. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the air quality index (AQI) in the capital has reached alarming levels, breaching the âvery poor' category for the second time in as many days.
On Monday, at 5:30 AM, Delhi's temperature was recorded at 5°C, a drop from 6°C the previous day. Along with the chill, the air quality also took a turn for the worse, with the AQI at 345 at 7 AM on Monday. This marks a sharp increase from 246 on Sunday. Certain areas of the city, such as Alipur, Anand Vihar, Bawana, and Burari Crossing, saw AQI levels between 350 and 397, falling within the âvery poor' range, while other localities like Dwarka Sec 8, Nehru Nagar, and Rohini recorded AQI levels above 370, placing the air quality into the âsevere' category.
The CPCB categorises AQI levels as follows: 0-50 is âgood,' 51-100 is âsatisfactory,' 101-200 is âmoderate,' 201-300 is âpoor,' 301-400 is âvery poor,' and 401-500 is âsevere.' As of Monday morning, Delhi's air quality was far exceeding the âvery poor' range, triggering health warnings for residents.
As temperatures continue to plummet, many vulnerable individuals are seeking shelter in night homes across the city. In areas like Sarai Kale Khan, people can be seen gathered in shelter homes, bundled up in thick blankets, braving the harsh cold. Vicky Kanojia, a caretaker of a shelter home, shared that the facility accommodates those without homes, including individuals recovering from hospital stays. The shelter provides essential services such as medicines, meals, and even ambulances for medical assistance.
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Meanwhile, in Uttar Pradesh, Moradabad is facing its own cold wave, with the temperature dipping to 8°C. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) confirmed that the region is experiencing a âCold Wave,' with locals relying on bonfires to stay warm amidst the ongoing chill. Fog has further intensified the cold, making daily life difficult.
(With inputs from ANI)
