Delhi's Response to Air Pollution: Decisions from Meeting of Key Figures

In a proactive response to the escalating air pollution crisis in Delhi, Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena, along with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Environment Minister Gopal Rai, held a crucial meeting on Friday evening. The meeting aimed to address the pressing issue of air quality in the national capital.

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In a proactive response to the escalating air pollution crisis in Delhi, Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena, along with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Environment Minister Gopal Rai, held a crucial meeting on Friday evening. The meeting aimed to address the pressing issue of air quality in the national capital.

During the meeting, a series of interim measures were established to combat the rising air pollution levels in the city. These measures include a unified effort from all government departments and agencies, regardless of their usual mandates, to prioritize pollution mitigation in their activities. The environment department will issue advisories urging vulnerable groups, such as children and the elderly, to stay indoors whenever possible.

To further reduce pollution levels, residents are encouraged to minimize outdoor activities, avoid unnecessary travel, and opt for public transportation when needed. Strict implementation of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), overseen by the Commission for Air Quality Management, was also emphasized.

In a bid to combat dust pollution, all mechanized road sweepers, water sprinklers, and anti-smog guns will be optimally utilized, potentially operating in double shifts when required. Additionally, the health department will ensure that all facilities are prepared to assist residents in need.

Recognizing the regional nature of the problem, the meeting addressed the issue of crop burning in neighboring states, with a special focus on Punjab. The meeting called for these states to discourage crop burning through incentivized measures, considering that Punjab was responsible for the majority of such incidents on a specific day.

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Delhi's Environment Minister, Gopal Rai, stressed the importance of active participation from senior officers and requested the Lieutenant Governor's support in this matter. Rai expressed concerns that officers had become less active following changes brought about by the Delhi Services Bill. He urged officials not to boycott the Delhi government and called for an investigation into the closure of the smog tower in Connaught Place by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC).

In a public statement, Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena urged residents to remain indoors, especially children and the elderly, due to the hazardous ambient conditions, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) surpassing 800 in some areas. He canceled his own public engagements and encouraged event organizers to discourage large gatherings to safeguard public health in these challenging times.