Delhi-NCR air pollution: Delhi's Lt Governor summons emergency meeting with CM Kejriwal as AQI enters 'hazardous' range
Delhi Air Quality: The deteriorating air quality in Delhi has reached a critical level, prompting Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena to call for an immediate meeting with Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Environment Minister Gopal Rai. The meeting is scheduled for 6:00 pm today.
In a social media post, the Lieutenant Governor expressed deep concern, saying, "The situation arising out of air pollution in the city is extremely worrying. I have asked Hon'ble CM & Hon'ble Minister (Environment) for a meeting at Raj Niwas at 6:00 PM today to take stock of the situation." Delhi has been grappling with deteriorating air quality in recent days, with PM2.5 and PM10 particulate matter levels reaching hazardous levels, posing serious health risks to residents. Contributing factors include stubble burning in neighbouring states, vehicular emissions, and adverse weather conditions, all of which have resulted in poor air quality and reduced visibility.
Once again, New Delhi topped the list of the world's most polluted cities compiled by Swiss group IQAir, with the city's Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 640 in the "hazardous" category on Friday. Concentrations of toxic PM2.5 particles were measured at 53.4 times the World Health Organization's annual air quality guideline value in New Delhi on Friday, according to IQAir.
In response to the worsening situation, the pollution control panel banned non-essential construction and demolition work in the national capital region as the AQI entered the "severe" category. Unfavorable meteorological and climatic conditions offered no immediate relief.
On Friday morning, the air quality further deteriorated to the "severe plus" category. Authorities are considering implementing emergency measures under Stage 4 of the graded action response plan (GRAP), which could include a ban on polluting trucks, commercial four-wheelers, and all types of construction. GRAP divides actions into four stages: Stage I - 'Poor' (AQI 201-300); Stage II - 'Very Poor' (AQI 301-400); Stage III - 'Severe' (AQI 401-450); and Stage IV - 'Severe Plus' (AQI above 450).
- With inputs from agencies
