Meerut wakes up to thick smog as the city records an alarming AQI of 349, placing it at the seventh position among the most polluted cities in India. Residents start their morning in choking air as pollution levels rise sharply with a visible haze covering major routes like Delhi Road, Shastri Nagar, and Pallavpuram.
Morning Activities Slow Down
People struggle to breathe during their morning commute, and many rush to buy masks from local shops. School-going children, elderly citizens, and asthma patients face the toughest challenges. Doctors warn citizens to avoid outdoor exercise in the morning because pollution peaks during sunrise hours.
Industries and Traffic Increase Pollution
Local environmental officers note that rising traffic, dust from construction sites, and smoke from small industrial units worsen the situation. Roads fill with heavy vehicles during early hours, and the emissions increase pollution rapidly. Residents report that they feel irritation in their eyes and throat while traveling on busy routes.
Administration Steps Up Measures
The local administration increases monitoring across major pollution hotspots. Officials sprinkle water on dusty stretches and advise construction companies to follow dust-control rules strictly. Traffic police increase checks on vehicles that emit black smoke. However, people demand stronger and long-term actions to improve air quality.
Health Experts Raise Concerns
Doctors urge citizens to stay indoors during peak hours, use N95 masks outside, drink more water, and keep windows closed during morning and evening. Hospitals also record a rise in cases related to breathing problems and persistent cough. Health experts warn that prolonged exposure to this level of pollution can damage lungs permanently.
Residents Want Quick Solutions
People across Meerut voice frustration and request immediate solutions. They ask authorities to fast-track green initiatives, increase public transport, and plant more trees to reduce pollution effectively.
