Gurugram residents burst crackers despite AQI reaching 600
A video of residents in Gurugram, Haryana, bursting firecrackers during a wedding procession has gone viral and drawn widespread criticism. The incident occurred when the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the region had reached hazardous levels. Some parts of the National Capital Region (NCR) even recorded an AQI of over 600 according to Livemint.
Netizens express outrage over firecracker incident
The video, filmed from a balcony, shows a wedding procession bursting firecrackers on the road. The act contributed to the already terrible pollution, as a thick haze loomed over the area. Social media users were furious, slamming the participants for worsening the toxic air conditions. One user sarcastically said, "They are celebrating [the] 1000 mark of AQI in Gurgaon. [A] Feat never achieved before by any global city!" Another likened it to celebrating Halloween during a real-life apocalypse.
Delhi Police enforce GRAP amid worsening air quality
In view of the worsening air quality, Delhi Police also stepped up vehicle checks to implement Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). The plan bans older diesel-operated medium and heavy goods vehicles except for those engaged in essential services. Meanwhile, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai urged Union Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav to convene an emergency meeting with officials of the Delhi government, IIT Kanpur experts, and central government departments to discuss cloud seeding as an emergency measure.
Alarming AQI levels spark health concerns
The AQI levels recorded on Wednesday morning were shocking: GTB touched 617, Ashok Vihar Phases 3 and 4 touched 634 and Anand Vihar stood at 591. The situation has drawn comparisons with scenes from TV series "Chernobyl," underlining public worry over the health impacts of such extreme pollution levels. Some comments even showed resignation toward pollution control, with one saying, "Nobody is doing anything for pollution... We as a society failed."
