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Delhi is grappling with alarming levels of air pollution, with the city's Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 'very poor' levels on Tuesday, prompting the implementation of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage II. This action follows the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) invoking Stage II due to worsening air quality, imposing restrictions on coal, firewood, and diesel generators. The AAP government, led by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, is implementing a comprehensive approach to mitigate the pollution crisis, involving various measures and appeals to neighbouring states.
Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai announced a series of measures aimed at curbing pollution, including deploying 6,000 MCD workers to control road dust, deploying 1,800 additional traffic personnel at congestion points, and increasing the frequency of public transport. To encourage reliance on public transport, the Delhi Metro will operate 40 extra train trips daily, and the frequency of DTC buses will be enhanced. The minister also highlighted the intensification of inspections at construction and demolition sites to enforce pollution control measures under GRAP II.
Recognizing that Delhi's air quality is heavily influenced by pollution originating from neighbouring states, Rai wrote a letter to his counterparts in Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Rajasthan, urging them to refrain from sending diesel buses into Delhi. He stressed the need for a coordinated approach to tackle this regional problem, acknowledging that the pollution challenge extends beyond Delhi's borders. The AAP government's efforts include the launch of the 'Red Light On-Gaadi Off' campaign, urging drivers to switch off their vehicle engines at red lights. This initiative is aimed at reducing vehicle emissions, a major contributor to Delhi's pollution woes.
The article cites biomass burning, dust, and vehicle emissions as the primary sources of Delhi's pollution. While acknowledging the decline in stubble burning in Punjab, the AAP government criticizes Haryana and Uttar Pradesh for inadequate action, attributing the ongoing pollution to their inaction. The city's struggle with air pollution underscores the need for regional collaboration and comprehensive measures to address this environmental challenge. With the implementation of GRAP Stage II, Delhi is taking crucial steps to combat the pollution crisis. However, the effectiveness of these measures depends on the cooperation of neighbouring states in reducing their contribution to the pollution burden.