Days after the implementation of all actions under GRAP Stage-IV in Delhi-NCR by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), Delhi’s air continues to remain under ‘very poor’ or ‘severe’ conditions.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) around the ITO area was recorded at 374 on Wednesday morning, categorised as ‘very poor’, as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
Similar pollution conditions were observed at India Gate, where AQI was recorded at 354, placing it in the ‘very poor’ category, according to CPCB data.
Delhi’s government’s initiative to tackle pollution
The Delhi Cabinet, on Tuesday, approved a series of significant decisions to strengthen the capital’s fight against pollution and improve environmental governance, under the leadership of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta.
As a step to tackle pollution and improve air quality in the national capital, the Cabinet approved an allocation of Rs. 100 crore for rejuvenating water bodies under the Delhi government. There are approximately 1,000 water bodies in Delhi, out of which 160 fall under the Delhi Government’s domain.
Announcing the outcomes of the Cabinet meet, Delhi’s Minister for Environment Manjinder Singh Sirsa said that these initiatives would bring “a decisive reduction in sources of air and water pollution, while creating a cleaner, more sustainable urban environment.” “The rejuvenation of Delhi’s water bodies will play a crucial role in pollution control. The Chief Minister has directed that every possible financial support be extended to complete this work within the year,” Sirsa added.
Winter continues to rule the North Indian cities with dense fog
The weather remained harsh over other parts of north India, owing to dense fog and cold waves.
Ambala in Haryana witnessed dense fog, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing an orange alert in the district. The weather agency has predicted a minimum temperature at 11°C.
In Uttar Pradesh, several cities including, Ayodhya and Kanpur witnessed dense fog as the cold wave intensified in the city. The IMD has forecast a minimum temperature of 11°C and issued a yellow alert.