The air quality in Delhi-NCR again deteriorated on Monday. Delhi's 24-hour air quality average also stood at 353 at 4 pm on Monday. However, the 24-hour average of the Air Quality Index had come down to 330 on Sunday. The administration said on Monday that there is no possibility of any improvement for the next three days. The Supreme Court on Monday also directed the Center to take swift action to improve the air quality of Delhi. This includes the closure of non-essential construction, transport and power plants till Tuesday evening. The air quality in other NCR cities was also very poor at 4 pm on Monday.
On Monday, the Supreme Court had criticised the Center and the Delhi government on the problem of pollution. Regarding the issue of pollution, the court asked the governments to take strict action at the earliest. The court has also sought a response from the Delhi government by Tuesday. While the central government has been asked to convene an emergency meeting for Delhi, Punjab and Haryana governments. And discuss the possible solution for air pollution.
The Delhi government had submitted an affidavit in the Supreme Court stating that they are fully prepared to take steps like complete lockdown to prevent pollution. Along with this, the government has also said that such steps will have an effect only for some time. Kejriwal government said that along with Delhi, there is a need to impose a lockdown in the NCR region as well.
The Center had told the Supreme Court on Monday that stubble burning is not a contributor to Delhi's air pollution. It causes only 10% pollution. Most of the pollution is caused by dust and vehicular fumes. The Supreme Court has said that the focus should be on these reasons. The United Kisan Morcha, which is opposing the agricultural laws, has also targeted the Delhi government. The farmers' organization said that blaming us for burning stubble and fining them is not the solution.
Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai made a statement on Monday. He said that the share of stubble burning in 2.5 PM pollution has increased to 48% in the last 10 days. In such a situation, he sought the source of the data of the Center.
Gopal Rai also said that the problem will be resolved through a joint action plan. The Delhi government will take up this matter in the meeting of the Center and NCR states on Tuesday. He held a meeting with Delhi Metro and Delhi Transport Corporation. The meeting was organized to discuss measures to reduce pollution caused by public transport. However, DMRC and DTC have been asked to prepare the plan within two days.
