New Delhi , The blanket of poisonous smog covering Delhi’s sky became denser on Wednesday and the air quality once again approached the “severe” category amid adverse weather conditions. Now Delhi Government’s Environment Minister Gopal Rai has made it clear as to when artificial rain or odd-even will be implemented in Delhi.
Gopal Rai said that if the air in Delhi goes into the severe plus category, then the government will consider making artificial rain and implementing odd-even. Gopal Rai said that a decision will be taken after monitoring the situation for the next two-three days.
Gopal Rai said, ‘After observing the situation for two-three days, we will consider implementing artificial rain and odd-even. If pollution remains in the Severe Plus category then rules will be implemented to fight it. Gopal Rai further said, ‘Preparations are being made at many places in Delhi for Chhath Puja. Chhath Puja will be organized at more than 1000 places. Keeping this in view, various teams have started their work.
The havoc of pollution continues in Delhi. Control Board (CPCB) has said that AQI 420 was recorded at 7 am in RK Puram. Similarly, 408 cases have been recorded in New Moti Bagh, 404 at IGI Airport and 433 in Nehru Nagar. The air in all these places is in lethal category.
The overall air quality index (AQI) in Delhi was recorded at 392 at 8 am on Wednesday. The 24-hour average AQI recorded every day at 4 pm in the city was 397 on Tuesday, 358 on Monday and 218 on Sunday. An official of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) said the final phase of the central government’s air pollution control plan, called Gradual Response Action Plan (GRAP), will continue until further orders. Under this, strict steps have been taken including ban on construction work and entry of polluting trucks in the national capital.
“Incidents of stubble burning are increasing again and meteorological conditions are not favorable (for dispersion of pollutants),” the official said. We will review the situation and take action accordingly.”