"The decision to implement the odd-even scheme will be made only after the Supreme Court reviews its effectiveness and issues an order," Gopal Rai said, adding that the matter will be heard on Friday.
The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) in Uttar Pradesh deteriorated from the 'poor' category to the 'very poor' category on Thursday, as per the data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
A thick toxic haze or 'smog' continued to hang heavy over the national capital as the air quality remained in the 'severe' category on Wednesday, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) informed.
The overall air quality in the National Capital continues to be in the 'severe' category for the fifth straight day, as per the Central Pollution Control Board. AQI measured at 9 AM from ITO in Delhi was recorded as 400 in the Very Poor Category.
As the Delhi air turned severe, leading to a temporary closure of schools and scores gasping for breath, the average Air Quality Index (AQI) in the national capital clocked 468 on Friday, according to the 4 pm AQI bulletin of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) issued a notice on Friday to the Chief Secretaries of the States where the Air Quality Index (AQI) has dipped to severe, very poor and poor categories. They are directed to take immediate remedial action and submit the action taken report before the Tribunal
The air quality in several parts of Delhi reeled under the 'severe' category on Friday morning with Mundka recording the highest Air Quality Index (498), as per Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
With the worsening air quality in the national capital, the head of clinical oncology of Delhi State Cancer Institute Dr Pragya Shukla said that there will be long-term side effects of the air pollution.
In a run-up to bringing down the pollution levels in Delhi, Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Wednesday urged the NCR states to ban firecrackers ahead of Diwali.
The air quality in the national capital was recorded in the 'moderate' category on Friday morning, as per the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research SAFAR-India.
"As per Air Quality Index (AQI) data of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi has witnessed a maximum number of days with 'Good to Moderate' Air Quality during the first four months' period of 2023 (i.e. January to April), as compared to the corresponding period of last 07 years