Amidst the rise in Air Quality Index (AQI) levels in the national capital, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai wrote a letter to the transport ministers of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan and requested to halt the entry of diesel buses from these states into the national capital.
elhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Tuesday announced that GRAP-II (Graded Response Action Plan) rules have been enforced across North India as the air quality index (AQI) has crossed over 300.
As the Delhi's Air quality is detoriating at an alarming levels, the Delhi government are taking all the necessary steps to control the air pollution in the national capital. PWD vehicles sprinkled water in parts of the city to reduce dust pollution.
With air quality in the national capital deteriorating to alarming levels, BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari took a swipe at former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and the AAP government.
A thick layer of fog was seen in areas like Anand Vihar, Kalkaji, Nehru Place, and Akshardham Temple, as the city's air quality continued to deteriorate.
Kicking off the campaign at the ITO intersection, the Delhi Environment Minister appealed to drivers to help reduce pollution by turning off their vehicle engines at red light.
Delhi recorded a daily average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 310 i.e. 'Very Poor' category on date, as per the daily AQI Bulletin provided by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
In the national capital region (NCR), the air quality is said to be severely dangerous for citizens, especially those who suffer from respiratory issues and other life-threatening diseases.
Kushal Chaudhary, a resident and a college student said that he had been facing issues in breathing because of the rising pollution in the national capital.
The Aam Aadmi Party led Delhi government has said that a major reason behind the deteriorating air quality in Delhi, especially in the Anand Vihar area, is the buses coming from the neighbouring state of Uttar Pradesh.
Delhi Chief Minister Atishi and Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Sunday carried out an inspection at the Anand Vihar area. Atishi said that anti-pollution measures are being strictly deployed and teams have been formed for dust control measures.