New Delhi. The air of Delhi-NCR is continuously becoming poisonous. Even on Saturday, November 4, the air level remains in the ‘severe’ category. The overall air quality index (AQI) in Delhi stood at 504 on Saturday morning. At the same time, 571 AQI was recorded in Indira Gandhi International Airport, 542 in Dhirpur, 576 in Noida, and 512 in Gurugram.
Regarding air quality, Dr. Arvind Kumar of Medanta Hospital, Gurugram said that air with 400-500 AQI is equal to the smoke of 25-30 cigarettes. It affects people of all age groups. Toxic air in pregnant women also harms the baby growing in the stomach.
Delhi government demands emergency meeting from Center with 5 states
Here, the Delhi government has demanded that the Center call an emergency meeting regarding the increasing pollution. Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai said- I am writing a letter to the Central Government. The Union Environment Minister should immediately hold a meeting with the Environment Ministers of five states (Delhi, UP, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Haryana). The rules of the Commission of Air Quality Management (CAQM) are being violated in NCR.
At the same time, regarding the increasing pollution and deteriorating air, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Friday sought answers from the Chief Secretaries of the affected states and asked them to take immediate action. Also ordered that the report on the steps taken should be given to NGT.
High Court said – the Forest Department is responsible for this condition of Delhi
Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court has held the Forest Department responsible for the current condition of Delhi. However, this matter is related to the cutting of trees. While hearing the petition related to the cutting of trees in the Delhi High Court on Friday, November 3, Justice Jasmeet Singh reprimanded the Delhi Forest Department. Justice Singh asked the Forest Department, do you want the people of Delhi to live in gas chambers?
According to Justice Singh, we are trying to sensitize you and you are not understanding. You’re ignoring me like this is contempt of the court orders. You are responsible for the situation the people of Delhi are in today.
Actually, in April 2022, the Delhi Forest Department issued an order for the felling of trees. Activist Bhavreen Kandhari had filed a petition against this in the Delhi High Court. The next hearing of this case will be on November 8.
At the same time, the Supreme Court has asked for measures to improve the air quality in Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan. The next hearing of this case will be on November 7.
GRAP-3 implemented in Delhi, ban on non-essential construction and demolition, schools closed
Due to deteriorating air quality, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) implemented the third stage of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR on 3 November. Stage III of GRAP is implemented when the AQI becomes severe in the range of 401-450.
Due to this, unnecessary construction demolition, and use of coal in restaurants have been banned. The government has directed to deduct a challan of Rs 20,000 for the use of BS-3 petrol and BS-4 diesel four-wheelers.
CM Arvind Kejriwal ordered the closure of all government and private schools up to class five on Friday and Saturday. On pollution in Delhi, Dr. Nikhil Modi of Apollo Hospital has advised people to wear masks.
Scientists said – Delhi’s air will get worse
Scientists have expressed concern about increasing pollution. According to him, Delhi’s air may worsen in the coming days. Also, scientists cited less rainfall as a major reason for the increase in pollution. This year in October, there was 5.4 mm rainfall only on one day. Whereas in October 2022, there was 129 mm rainfall for 6 days and in October 2021, there was 123 mm rainfall for 7 days.
There is another reason for Delhi’s bad air… stubble burning in Haryana-Punjab
Stubble burning in the states surrounding Delhi is also being considered as one of the main reasons for increasing pollution. Stubble burning is still going on in the northern parts of the country including Haryana and Punjab. So far this year, more than 2500 cases of stubble burning have been reported. However, the number of farm fires is less than in the last two years.
