Delhi’s air quality deteriorated further on Sunday in the national capital, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 352, in the ‘very poor’ category, according to the Delhi Quality System. Air, Weather Forecast and Research (SAFAR). .

The AQI in areas such as Anand Vihar crossed the 400 mark, being recorded at 405 at 7 am, classified as ‘severe’, worse than the AQI of 367 recorded on Saturday.

This forecast is significantly worse than the average AQI recorded at 255 on Saturday, classified as “poor.” The AQI at Akshardham Temple deteriorated by 261, while IGI Airport recorded an AQI of 324, both classified as ‘very poor’.

The city has been covered in a layer of smog, which is particularly visible early in the morning. In a conversation with news agency ANI, Himanshu, visiting Delhi, said the increase in pollution was “choking”.

A cyclist told the news agency, “We are from Delhi and we (the group of cyclists) cycle here daily, but this air pollution situation since the last few days is making us face a lot of problems .

He added: “We cannot breathe properly, we get tired faster because of the pollution. We take precautions like wearing a bandana but nothing works because pollution increases a lot. »

Citizens have called on the government to act as cases of respiratory illnesses have increased during this period.

The cyclist told ANI that the measures taken by the government do not seem effective enough and that the government should encourage people to use public transport more.

He said: “The government has done some work, like stopping construction and implementing the odd-even system, but it doesn’t seem to be working because it is increasing day by day. Constructive steps should be taken to encourage people to use public transport and carpooling.”

In an effort to reduce pollution during the festive season, the Delhi government has banned the use and sale of firecrackers until January 1. The government has also adopted measures such as spraying water on roads, frequent cleaning of public spaces, etc. the air.