The Delhi government plans to combine transport reforms, ecological restoration and urban management measures such as road greening and misting systems to address the capital’s worsening air quality.
The Supreme Court today strongly criticised the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) for its inaction on the key issues raised by the Court relating to hazardous air quality in the national capital region.
Delhi’s air quality deteriorated to 402 today morning, pushing the national capital into the ‘severe’ pollution category.
Delhi Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa has announced that all polluting factories in the national capital will be sealed without prior notice.
As per the CPCB data, the air quality worsened in some regions, with Anand Vihar slipping into the ‘severe’ category with AQI of 402.
The stringent anti-pollution measures, including work from home, No PUC-No Fuel, and a ban on older vehicles, are set to take effect from Thursday, December 18.
An AQI between zero and 50 is considered good, 51 and 100 satisfactory, 101 and 200 moderate, 201 and 300 poor, 301 and 400 very poor, and 401 and 500 severe.
According to the order, all the heads of schools have been directed to disseminate this information among students, staff members, SMC members, and parents.
The minister said Delhi could not get rid of pollution unless immediate, as well as long-term steps, were taken in the neighbouring states to curb air pollution.
