With Inputs From ANI.
Delhi: Several weeks after a sudden surge in air pollution in the national capital, Delhi’s air quality has improved slightly from ‘severe’ to ‘very poor.’ According to the Central Pollution Control Board, Air Quality Index (AQI) at 7 am was recorded at 279 on Monday which comes under ‘poor’ category.
Efforts Underway To Combat Pollution
Efforts are underway to mitigate the rising air pollution levels. More than 1.64 lakh challans, amounting to Rs 164 crore, were issued in October, which accounted for 30 percent of the total challans issued so far this year, reported PTI. The Delhi Transport Department has asked vehicle owners to use colour-coded stickers on their vehicles for fuel-type identification to combat rising pollution levels. Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai has also requested Chief Secretary Dharmendra to ensure strict enforcement of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to address the worsening air quality in the national capital.
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Delhi air pollution | Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai writes to the Chief Secretary, urging personal oversight of GRAP enforcement and coordinated execution with all departments to sustain air quality improvements pic.twitter.com/56UZJuN2NF
— ANI (@ANI) November 22, 2024
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#WATCH | Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai inspects Narela – Singhu border to see implementation of Stage-IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) which enforces a ban on the operation of Delhi-registered BS-IV and below diesel-operated medium goods vehicles (MGVs) and… pic.twitter.com/AhLCzjAQjM
— ANI (@ANI) November 22, 2024
Delhi Pollution: Residents Demand Permanent Solution
Smog continues to engulf national capital and residents have complained of breathing difficulties, fever and other health issues. They have urged the concerned authorities to find a permanent solution to the rising pollution levels.
#WATCH | Delhi: A layer of haze shrouds the national capital as the air quality remains in 'Poor' category, as per Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
(Visuals from near India Gate area) pic.twitter.com/4VB73aydWt
— ANI (@ANI) November 25, 2024
A cyclist near India Gate told ANI, “We have been facing problems due to the pollution. It has taken a toll on our daily life activities and we have also been facing issues in breathing as well.”
Another resident said that people would have to stay indoors and take precautions to protect their health. “The cars need to be checked properly and stubble burning needs to be checked to reduce the pollution. It has taken a toll on the lives of both adults and children. It is a time for everyone to stay indoors as of now,” he added.
A pedestrian highlighted that the situation has been deteriorating day by day. “People go out early in the morning to breathe fresh air but here we are breathing pollution in the morning. It is high time that steps need to be taken to tackle the problem. People should start using masks,” he said.
#WATCH | Delhi: A layer of haze shrouds the national capital as the air quality continues to deteriorate
— ANI (@ANI) November 25, 2024
(Visuals from Anand Vihar area) pic.twitter.com/wntTBQdQnM
Supreme Court’s Directive To Delhi Govt
Earlier this week, the Supreme Court had directed the Delhi government and Police to immediately set up checkpoints on all 113 entry points to Delhi to check the entry of trucks in the national capital. It also appointed 13 members of the Bar as court commissioners to visit the entry points to Delhi and verify whether entry of trucks is being stopped.
As per the GRAP-IV restrictions imposed by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), the entry of trucks is prohibited to Delhi-NCR to combat air pollution.
In view of the rising level of pollution, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) had activated Stage-IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) with effect from 18th November.
