A layer of smog has blanketed the national capital, driving the Air Quality Index (AQI) down to 293, a level categorized as ‘Poor’. In Anand Vihar, the AQI has worsened to 339, falling into the ‘Very Poor’ category. The India Gate area recorded an AQI of 270, also marked as ‘Poor.’ Meanwhile, Dwarka, Sector-8, showed an AQI of 325, placing it in the ‘Very Poor’ category, while Vivek Vihar reached 324, similarly categorized.
According to the Central Pollution Control Board, prolonged exposure to ‘Poor’ air quality can lead to breathing discomfort, while ‘Very Poor’ levels can cause respiratory illnesses. To combat dust pollution, PWD vehicles are actively sprinkling water in various parts of the capital, adhering to GRAP-1 guidelines.
On Tuesday, the Delhi Government announced the strict enforcement of measures under the Graded Response Action Plan-1 (GRAP-1) to enhance air quality in the national capital, as stated by the Chief Minister’s Office. This decision followed a high-level meeting led by Chief Minister Atishi, which included Environment Minister Gopal Rai and senior officials.
As part of the initiative, 99 teams have been designated to monitor construction sites for dust control. The Public Welfare Department (PWD) will deploy 200 anti-smog guns, while the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) will contribute 30, the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) will provide 14, and the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) will add 80. Additionally, the Delhi Police will allocate extra personnel to traffic-heavy areas, with Home Guards on standby if necessary.
Chief Minister Atishi also called on Delhi residents to carpool, avoid burning crackers and waste, and report pollution incidents through the Green Delhi app. The monitoring teams will ensure compliance with dust control measures at both government and private construction sites, particularly focusing on the removal of construction and demolition (C&D) waste, which significantly increases PM 2.5 and PM 10 levels, contributing to dust pollution.
To further mitigate road dust, anti-smog guns will be deployed this season, with Atishi directing the PWD to position 200 guns on major roads and pollution hotspots.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Manoj Tiwari launched a strong critique of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) regarding the deteriorating air quality in Delhi, asserting that the AAP government has shown no intention to combat pollution during its ten years in power. He encouraged residents of the national capital to back the BJP in the upcoming Delhi assembly elections.
Reacting to the same, BJP National Spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla said that the national capital has been becoming a poisonous gas chamber and held AAP responsible for it.
(ANI)
