As winter approaches, Delhi faces escalating air quality issues that have prompted urgent government action. In response to this growing concern, Chief Minister Atishi convened a high-level meeting with key officials at the Delhi Secretariat to address the alarming pollution levels in the national capital.
Accompanied by Environment Minister Gopal Rai and other leaders from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), the meeting focused on reviewing current pollution levels and strategizing immediate actions to combat the issue.
During this crucial meeting, Chief Minister Atishi emphasised the need for comprehensive measures to control pollution as the winter season approaches. She urged all government departments and citizens to collaborate in this campaign to reduce air pollution. Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, she instructed officials to take swift and decisive actions.
Earlier in the day, Environment Minister Gopal Rai announced the implementation of Stage-I of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR).
This plan is activated when the Air Quality Index (AQI) rises above 200, and it primarily focuses on dust mitigation measures. As part of these efforts, authorities have started monitoring the burning of garbage and checking the Pollution Under Control certifications for vehicles.
Rai highlighted the importance of cooperation from neighbouring states, particularly those governed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He noted that in previous years, the central government held joint meetings to discuss air quality issues, but such meetings have been absent recently. The minister underscored that air pollution is not just a local problem; it affects the entire northern region of India.
Specific measures have been put in place to tackle the pollution crisis. The government has ordered mechanical sweeping and water sprinkling on roads, along with the use of anti-smog guns at major intersections.
Additionally, the burning of waste has been prohibited, and there are bans on diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years. These actions are part of a broader strategy to address pollution, particularly in light of the expected increase in air quality challenges during the winter months.
As the winter season often brings still air and lower temperatures, Delhi's pollution levels tend to rise significantly. To combat this, the anti-dust campaign launched on October 7 has gained traction, with surprise inspections revealing that many construction sites have been non-compliant with dust control regulations. This has led to an increase in dust pollution, necessitating urgent attention from the government.
In addressing the recent decline in air quality, Minister Rai referenced the weather department's predictions of a rapid drop in temperatures, which can exacerbate pollution levels as particulate matter settles lower in the atmosphere. To effectively combat pollution, the government is focusing on reducing its sources, including dust, vehicle emissions, and biomass burning.
The government has outlined 11 key measures to tackle pollution, and in cases of emergencies, additional actions will be taken as necessary. The need for a comprehensive approach is clear, and the government is determined to implement effective strategies to ensure a cleaner and healthier environment for the residents of Delhi.
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