Rising air pollution levels across North India are posing serious health risks to infants and children, according to former World Health Organization Chief Scientist Dr Soumya Swaminathan. Speaking to ANI, she stated that children are especially vulnerable because their lungs, brains, hearts, and blood vessels are still developing.
Air pollution is stunting lung development and affecting the learning capacity of young children. Swaminathan noted that breathing particulate matter at 22 micrograms per cubic metre over 24 hours equals smoking one cigarette.
Delhi air quality remained in the poor category, with the Air Quality Index recorded at 299 on the
government AQI dashboard. Private platform IQAir recorded an AQI of 242. Areas like Patparganj, ITO, and Defence Colony recorded elevated pollution levels.
Authorities have invoked Stage I of the Graded Response Action Plan across Delhi-NCR with immediate effect. The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change reported that Delhi daily average AQI rose, prompting pollution control measures. Meanwhile, authorities in Lucknow also sprayed water on major roads to curb pollution as AQI entered the poor category according to the Central Pollution Control Board.
