As the air quality in the national capital once again reaches severe levels, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai has issued directives to relevant agencies and departments to enforce stringent measures against polluting vehicles and address the increasing incidents of biomass burning.
Recent data reveals that vehicular emissions contribute to approximately 25-30% of Delhi’s air pollution. Despite a reduction in stubble burning, biomass burning in different locations within Delhi-NCR is responsible for 21% of the city’s air pollution, stated Rai during a press briefing.
Earlier today, Minister Rai chaired a meeting with senior officials from various departments to assess the current air pollution situation. The transport department and Delhi Traffic Police have been instructed to rigorously monitor the implementation of restrictions on BS III petrol and BS IV diesel vehicles as part of Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan, the central government’s air pollution control initiative.
Additionally, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi and the revenue department have been directed to curb incidents of biomass burning, which are anticipated to rise as temperatures decline in the coming days, according to Rai.
The minister warned that air pollution levels are expected to remain hazardous for the next two days. However, he expressed hope for slight relief afterward due to favorable meteorological conditions.
As of 8 am on Friday, Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 401, signaling a return to severe conditions. The city has witnessed a gradual increase in AQI levels following a marginal improvement noted on Sunday.
The 24-hour average AQI recorded at 4 pm each day was 390 on Thursday, 394 on Wednesday, 365 on Tuesday, 348 on Monday, and 301 on Sunday.
Authorities are actively working to address the worsening air quality crisis, with a focus on both vehicular emissions and biomass burning to safeguard public health and mitigate environmental concerns.
