Many areas of Delhi were seen covered with a thick layer of toxic smoke even on Wednesday morning as the average air quality index (AQI) stood at 373, placing it in the ‘very poor’ category. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the ACI around Ghazipur on NH-24 in Delhi was 368, which is in the ‘very poor’ category.
A similar situation was witnessed at Indira Gandhi International Airport, where according to CPCB data, the AQI was recorded at 368, which falls in the ‘very poor’ category.
Pictures received from ITO area and Anand Vihar showed the national capital wrapped in a blanket of dense fog. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has implemented all actions under GRAP Stage-IV in Delhi-NCR as the Air Quality Index (AQI) has been recorded at 374 around ITO and Anand Vihar.
The Republic Day parade rehearsal at India Gate is also going on amid fog, where the air quality index is 354, which is in the ‘very poor’ category according to the CPCB.
AQI readings between 0-50 are considered ‘good’, 51-100 ‘satisfactory’, 101-200 ‘moderate’, 201-300 ‘poor’, 301-400 ‘very poor’ and 401-500 ‘severe’.
Meanwhile, according to a press release, the Delhi Cabinet on Tuesday approved several important decisions aimed at strengthening the fight against pollution and improving environmental governance in the capital.
Announcing the results, Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said the initiatives would “decisively reduce sources of air and water pollution, as well as create a cleaner and more sustainable urban environment.”
Cabinet approved allocation of Rs 100 crore for revitalization of water bodies under Delhi government. There are about 1,000 such water bodies in Delhi, of which 160 come under the jurisdiction of the Delhi government.
There are about 1,000 such water bodies in Delhi, of which 160 come under the jurisdiction of the Delhi government.
Sirsa said, “Revitalization of Delhi’s water bodies will play an important role in pollution control. The Chief Minister has directed that all possible financial assistance be provided to complete this work within a year.”
Earlier, Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) had provided Rs 19 crore for this initiative. With this additional Rs 100 crore, the target is to achieve 100 per cent restoration of all identified water bodies. The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) will also be contacted to ensure similar action, the release said.
The Cabinet also approved the setting up of Delhi’s first e-waste park spread over 11.5 acres at Holambi Kalan, which will adhere to the best pollution standards and operate on a 100 per cent circular, zero-waste model.
“This will be India’s first state-of-the-art e-waste facility built on the principles of zero pollution and zero wastage. The plant will completely recycle and reuse water through advanced recycling mechanisms,” Sirsa said.
