'SITUATION IS ALARMING'
Prof. Ravindra Khaiwal, an environmentalist, told Anadolu Agency that the emission from stubble burning along with other sources in northern India and weather conditions are major contributing factors to the present air pollution levels.
"The situation currently is alarming. The pollution levels have reached the severe category in Delhi and adjoining areas as well," he said. "The need of the hour is that states take proactive steps so that pollution levels go down."
He said that the focus should also be on reducing emissions from all sources such as "vehicular exhaust and non-exhaust, municipal waste burning, construction activities, fugitive and industrial emission along with stubble burning."
Locals say the situation is taking a toll on their health.
"I suffered from COVID-19 last year, and I can feel with the rising pollution, there is a difficulty in breathing," Harshit Kumar, a Delhi resident told Anadolu Agency.
"There is a burning sensation in the eyes and the government should take drastic measures to help the people to end this problem."
A political war has erupted over the pollution problem.
Indian Federal Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav this week accused AAP of turning Delhi into a "gas chamber."
He said the Punjab state saw over a 19% rise in farm fires over 2021.
Kejriwal, however, called for an end to "blame games and finger-pointing."
"Let's stop the blame game. Let's find solutions as a country," he tweeted on Friday.
