Improvement in Delhi’s air quality

India

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Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai said that due to changes in weather over the past 2-3 days, a decrease in pollution levels is being observed. In view of this, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has withdrawn the restrictions of GRAP-III. The Meteorological Department estimates that if the wind speed decreases in the coming days, pollution levels could increase. Therefore, to prevent the situation from worsening, the rules of GRAP-I and GRAP-II will remain in effect in Delhi.

Environment Minister Gopal Rai stated that a meeting was held today at the Delhi Secretariat with the Environment Department and DPCC for the proper implementation of strict compliance with the restrictions of GRAP-I and II in Delhi. After the meeting, he mentioned that the Environment Department has issued orders to all relevant departments for pollution control. Additionally, teams such as the Anti-Dust Campaign Team, Anti-Open Burning Campaign Team, and the PUC Checking Teams have been instructed to continue their work diligently.

Minister Gopal Rai emphasized strict adherence to all rules at hotspot areas and ordered continuous monitoring by teams. Considering the current pollution situation, the rules of GRAP-I and GRAP-II will remain in effect, and continuous monitoring and review by all relevant agencies in Delhi will ensure that the air quality does not deteriorate to the ‘severe’ category.

The Environment Minister shared, “Instructions have been given to sprinkle water on the identified roads every day and use mechanical sweeping machines continuously. Water is being sprayed with 215 mobile anti-smog guns. Out of which 60 mobile anti-smog guns have been deployed for hotspots. A total of 375 water sprinkling machines have been deployed and 82 mechanical sweeping machines are in operation.”

Construction and Demolition Activities:

Minister Gopal Rai said that construction sites with an area of 500 sqm or more must be registered on the Web portal, for which the DPCC has been instructed to run a special campaign. It is necessary to follow 14 rules related to dust norms at all construction sites. Teams will take strict action if the rules are not followed. For this, 591 teams have been deployed. Instructions have been given to strictly follow the rules regarding the deployment of anti-smog guns at C&D construction sites.

Anti Open Burning :

“611 teams have been deployed under the anti-open burning campaign. The Anti-open burning campaign is being run in Delhi from November 14.  The anti-open burning campaign will continue till December 14.” The Environment Minister added.

PUC Checking:

Minister Gopal Rai further mentioned that Instructions have been given to strictly follow the PUC rules for vehicles and impose maximum penalties on polluting vehicles.  For this, 84 teams have been deployed by the Transport Department.  Also, 284 teams of Delhi Police have been deployed.

Gopal Rai said that instructions have been given to solve the problem of traffic congestion by deploying special teams at the 91 traffic congestion points mentioned by the traffic police.

The Environment Minister appealed to the people of Delhi to register grievances if they see the works which contribute to rising pollution on the Green Delhi app.

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