The Delhi government on Monday listed out measures which will be implemented to tackle the worsening air quality in the city. According to the government, a complete ban will be imposed in the city on crackers, other than for religious functions. The government has also decided to disallow overloaded, non-destined trucks into the city to reduce traffic congestion. The government has put a stoppage on all construction activity in Delhi till November 14 and all pollution creating industries will also be shut down.
Besides, the government declared that deregistration of 15-year-old diesel vehicles in the city will begin from today. The government will review these measures on November 15.
In the meantime, Delhi Lieutenant Government Najeeb Jung has directed agencies to ensure that immediate measures are taken to mitigate air pollution in Delhi are strictly implemented. Jung also asked MCD to take measures to control fire in Bhalswa as soon as possible. He also directed Delhi Police and Municipal Corporation to implement an action plan.
The pollution levels in Delhi has hit an all time-high since last week after Diwali. The city is covered with toxic smog and many have complained of irritation in eyes and throat. The air is dangerous even for healthy children and adults, which is recorded at ten times the permissible levels of PM2.5 and PM10.
Meanwhile, the Delhi government today suggested the Centre to consider engineering artificial rain over Delhi and the NCR region which are grappling with record- breaking levels air pollution. At a meeting between the Centre and NCR states, Delhi Environment Minister Imran Hussain said “the Centre should consider (engineering) artificial rains.” However, Union Environment Minister Anil Madhav Dave said there is a need to examine its “workability”.
