Delhi Grapples with 'Severe' Air Pollution Crisis: Measures Taken to Combat Smog

The national capital of India continues to grapple with severe air pollution, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) remaining alarmingly high. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi's residents woke up to another day of toxic air as the AQI readings for various locations painted a grim picture. In Anand Vihar, the AQI stood at 432, while RK Puram recorded a score of 453, and ITO reached 441.

As the air quality crisis worsened, the Delhi government took swift action, rescheduling the December winter break for all schools. The new break will now extend from November 9 to November 18, aiming to protect students from the harmful effects of the polluted air.

In neighboring Haryana, authorities have clamped down on stubble burning, issuing 1,256 challans, imposing fines exceeding ₹32 lakh, and filing 72 FIRs against offenders, as stated by Chief Secretary Sanjeev Kaushal.

Delhi's mayor, Shelly Oberoi, emphasized that open burning of garbage, the improper disposal of construction waste, and the use of tandoors in restaurants are significant contributors to the escalating air pollution crisis.

Further reports on the air quality in the Delhi National Capital Region (NCR) revealed alarming readings. Ghaziabad registered an average AQI of 443, with PM2.5 levels exceeding the safe limit by seven to eight times. In Gurugram's Sector-51, the air quality also deteriorated, with an AQI of 444, firmly placing it in the 'severe' category.

In a groundbreaking move, Delhi is exploring the possibility of creating artificial rain to combat the persistent smog that has engulfed the city for the past week. Delhi's Environment Minister, Gopal Rai, announced that a proposal outlining cloud seeding techniques will be presented to the Supreme Court. The plan involves seeding clouds with substances like silver iodine to induce precipitation, with the artificial rain attempt scheduled for around November 20.

Rai also mentioned the potential implementation of the odd-even car rationing scheme, pending a review of its effectiveness by the Supreme Court.

The transport department is set to enforce a ban on app-based taxis as directed by the Supreme Court, although detailed instructions will clarify whether the ban takes immediate effect or coincides with the odd-even car rationing scheme.

Meanwhile, the Haryana government has made progress in paddy harvesting, with 90% completion, while Gautam Buddh Nagar district magistrate Manish Verma urged industries and builders to enhance anti-pollution measures at their sites. He emphasized that all construction work in the district, except for hospitals and the Noida International Airport in Jewar, is currently prohibited to mitigate pollution.

Delhi remains under the grip of severe air pollution, with authorities implementing various measures to tackle the crisis and provide relief to its residents.

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