Delhi air quality sees mild improvement; enters 'poor' category
What's the story
Delhi's air quality improved slightly on Thursday morning, with the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 299 at 8:00am. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data showed a significant improvement from an AQI of 342 at 4:00pm on December 3, which had placed the city in the "very poor" category. However, several areas still remained engulfed in toxic smog.
Persistent pollution
Areas still shrouded in toxic smog despite slight improvement
Areas like Ghazipur and Akshardham continued to witness thick haze and low visibility on Thursday morning. Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 316, while Wazirpur recorded a high of 323. Sonia Vihar's AQI stood at 302 and Patparganj's at 309. The CPCB categorizes AQI levels from "good" (0-50) to "severe" (401-500); 51-100 is 'satisfactory,' 101-200 'moderate,' 201-300 'poor,' and 301-400 'very poor.'
Government action
Delhi government intensifies anti-pollution measures
In light of the worsening air quality, Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa announced several measures on Wednesday evening. These include deploying anti-smog guns, mechanized road sweepers, and water sprinklers across Delhi and neighboring cities such as Noida and Ghaziabad. Sirsa also emphasized that no agency would be spared if found violating anti-pollution measures. He also said all potholes will be repaired within 72 hours, as they contribute to dust and traffic congestion.
Collaborative efforts
Delhi and Union ministers discuss environmental initiatives
Delhi Minister Sirsa also met Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav to discuss environmental initiatives. They decided to focus on large-scale tree plantation with public participation in parks and roadside areas across Delhi NCR. The Municipal Corporation of Delhi has been permitted to buy at least 100 new mechanized road sweepers as part of these efforts.