As air quality in the national capital continues to deteriorate, the Delhi government has taken swift actions to combat rising pollution levels. In a review meeting chaired by Environment Minister Gopal Rai at the Delhi Secretariat, critical decisions were made to address the worsening situation.
The city’s air quality index (AQI) has been consistently categorized as “very poor” since Sunday, with the AQI registering at 309 according to SAFAR-India. Minister Rai emphasized the critical nature of the next 15 to 20 days, starting from November 1, and expressed concerns about the reduction in temperature and airspeed, which has allowed pollutants to accumulate.
One of the key decisions taken in the meeting was to halt construction work within a one-kilometer radius of hotspots where the AQI consistently hovers near 400. This move aims to reduce localized sources of pollution that contribute to the city’s poor air quality.
Furthermore, in line with the directives from the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), the entry of diesel buses into Delhi has been immediately prohibited. In an effort to mitigate the impact on public transportation, the Delhi government has formed 18 teams to enforce this directive. Minister Rai urged state governments to operate only Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), Electric, or Bharat Stage VI (BS-VI) buses from their depots to ensure minimal inconvenience to passengers.
The Minister also highlighted the importance of curbing vehicle pollution, particularly in hotspots, and the need for a coordinated approach among different departments to address air quality issues. Additionally, discussions were scheduled to analyze the effectiveness of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)-II, which has been implemented across Delhi.
The data provided by the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR)-India showed that the air quality index in the national capital stood at 336 on Wednesday morning, marking the fourth consecutive day under the “very poor” category. While there have been slight fluctuations, the overall trend in AQI suggests ongoing air quality challenges.
Minister Rai also acknowledged the reduced impact of stubble burning but stressed that its repercussions are still evident in Delhi’s pollution levels. In response to these concerns, the Delhi government remains committed to taking proactive measures to combat air pollution and enhance the overall air quality in the city.
The situation serves as a reminder of the urgency surrounding air quality improvement and the need for comprehensive actions to safeguard public health in the region. The Delhi government continues to monitor and address the evolving air quality challenges in the national capital.
Sources By Agencies
