Delhi battles with toxic air pollution
World Health Organization.
Expressing concern about the expected deterioration in air quality in the coming days due to Diwali and stubble burning in neighbouring states, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai shot off a letter to Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav urging that only CNG, electric and BS VI-compliant vehicles be permitted in Delhi-NCR.
He also requested for an emergency meeting with NCR states to address the issue.
Data from the Central Pollution Control Board showed Delhi's air quality index increased by over 200 points between October 27 and November 3, culminating in a descent into the «severe plus» category (above 450) on Friday.
On Saturday, the 24-hour average AQI, recorded at 4 pm every day, marginally improved from 468 on Friday to 415 on Saturday.
Friday's 24-hour average AQI was the worst since the previous high of 471 recorded on November 12, 2021.
Rai also wrote to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, seeking the suspension of Delhi Pollution Control Committee chairman Ashwani Kumar for «arbitrarily halting» the operation of a large smog tower installed at Connaught Place two years ago to mitigate air pollution.
In his letter, Rai also sought disciplinary action against project in-charge Anwar Ali, whom he minister accused of changing his stance on the smog tower's effectiveness under pressure from Kumar.
Meanwhile, the blame game between the AAP and the opposition BJP on the pollution crisis intensified.
At a press conference, AAP chief spokesperson Priyanka Kakkar hit out at the BJP government in Haryana over the pollution crisis.
«The Khattar government in Haryana has done nothing for stubble management. If it wishes, we can send our experts from Punjab who can guide them on where
