Air pollution in Delhi-NCR is increasing, and even Chief Ministers are not immune to its effects. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath shared his experience, stating that he felt the impact of the dropping Air Quality Index (AQI) when his eyes started burning after disembarking in Ghaziabad.

The AQI near IGI Airport T3 terminal on Friday morning was 473, indicating “Severe” pollution levels. The smog has not only engulfed Delhi but has also spread to Ghaziabad. CM Adityanath mentioned that when he observed NASA satellite images, he noticed the whole of Punjab and northern parts of Haryana indicated in “Red,” which represents a high level of pollution in the air.

Speaking on the issue of air pollution, CM Adityanath mentioned that the Supreme Court had recently issued notices to several states, including Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi, regarding pollution. He stated that on his way to Delhi, he landed in Ghaziabad, where he experienced eye irritation due to the smog. He also added that NASA satellite images confirmed the widespread stubble burning and industrial pollution in Punjab and northern parts of Haryana, which ultimately affected Delhi as well.

As a result of severe pollution levels, primary schools in Delhi have been closed. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced the closure, stating that all government and private primary schools in the city will remain shut for the next two days.

To combat pollution, truck-mounted water sprinklers have been deployed in central Delhi. Additionally, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai held an emergency meeting to assess the situation. The city has also implemented GRAP-III curbs, which include a ban on construction and mining activities.