Delhi chokes under severe air pollution for second consecutive day
Delhi: Delhi recorded the worst air quality in the country for the second consecutive day, prompting warnings from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) about serious health implications. The CPCB stated that severe air pollution affects healthy individuals and poses a grave threat to those with pre-existing health conditions.
The alarming situation follows a brief period of improved air quality earlier this month, which had led the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to lift severe restrictions on December 5. However, pollution levels spiked again, primarily due to stubble burning in neighboring states, vehicular emissions, and stagnant wind conditions.
On December 16, Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) crossed the 401-mark, categorizing it as ‘severe.’ By Tuesday afternoon, the AQI rose further to 433, with particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations surging to 251.5 micrograms per cubic meter—more than 16 times the World Health Organization's (WHO) safe limit of 15 micrograms for a 24-hour period.
PM2.5, composed of tiny inhalable particles, is particularly hazardous as it penetrates deep into the respiratory system, causing severe health issues. Experts attributed the worsening air quality to a significant drop in wind speed, which trapped pollutants in the atmosphere.
The Central government’s Air Quality Early Warning System forecasted that pollution levels would remain in the ‘severe’ category on Wednesday but might improve slightly to ‘very poor’ on December 19 and 20. Meanwhile, the re-imposition of Stage IV restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) has halted construction activities and banned older vehicles in an attempt to mitigate the crisis.
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Man mowed down by speeding car in Bengaluru
Bengaluru (PTI): A man was allegedly mowed down by a speeding car on MG Road in the heart of the city on early Friday morning, police said.
Srinivas, who was in his late 50s, died on the spot in the accident that occurred at Anil Kumble Junction here, they said.
According to police, the accident occurred at around 4.30 am. Srinivas was walking along the side of the road when a car travelling at high speed allegedly hit him with immense force. The driver of the offending vehicle fled the spot.
The impact of the accident was so severe that Srinivas died on the spot, a senior police officer said.
A case of accident under Section 106 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for causing death due to negligence has been registered, he said.
CCTV cameras installed in the area are being analysed to identify the offending vehicle, police said, adding that further investigation is underway.
