Delhi's air quality remains 'very poor,' pollution control measures underway
What's the story
Delhi is witnessing clearer skies on Wednesday, but the air quality remains "very poor" with a thick layer of toxic smog blanketing parts of the national capital. The Air Quality Index (AQI) in several areas, including ITO and India Gate, was in the "very poor" category, as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), with the two monitoring stations recording 374 and 354, respectively.
Pollution control funding
Delhi government allocates ₹100 crore for water body rejuvenation
In a bid to tackle the pollution crisis, the Delhi Cabinet approved an allocation of ₹100 crore for rejuvenating water bodies on Tuesday. The decision was taken under Chief Minister Rekha Gupta's leadership and aims at reducing sources of air and water pollution. Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa expressed confidence that these initiatives would lead to "a decisive reduction in sources of air and water pollution."
Harsh winter conditions
Dense fog and cold waves persist in North India
Meanwhile, other North Indian areas are reeling under harsh winter conditions with dense fog and cold waves. Ambala in Haryana has been put on an orange alert by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) due to dense fog, with the IMD predicting a minimum temperature of 11°C. In Uttar Pradesh, cities like Ayodhya are also witnessing dense fog as the cold wave intensifies. The IMD has issued a yellow alert for these areas with a minimum temperature of 11°C expected.
Travel
Delhi airport issues advisory
Delhi's IGI Airport has issued an advisory over poor visibility at the airport. Flyers have been asked to contact their respective airlines before heading to the airport. "Low Visibility Procedures are in progress at Delhi Airport. All flight operations are presently normal. Passengers are requested to contact the airline concerned for updated flight information," the morning advisory stated.