New Delhi: Delhi NCR’s air quality deteriorated further today, November 4, breaching the ‘400’ danger mark on the scale of 500 with AQI reaching alarming levels (407 at 9AM) in several places. On Saturday morning, the minimum temperature in the national capital was recorded at 16.6 degrees Celsius, slightly higher than the seasonal normal.
Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena held a meeting with Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Friday, November 3, 2023, to discuss the severe air quality situation in the national capital.
During the meeting, Saxena and Rai discussed a number of measures to improve the air quality, including: strict implementation of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), closure of polluting industries, ban on construction activities, increased use of public transportation with increased rounds of Delhi Metro, and sprinkling of water on roads to reduce dust pollution.
Saxena also directed the Delhi government to take immediate steps to reduce air pollution from stubble burning in neighboring states.
The meeting between Saxena and Rai comes as Delhi’s air quality has deteriorated significantly in recent days. The city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) has been in the “severe” category for several days, with some areas reporting AQI levels of over 400.
The severe air quality has had a significant impact on the health of Delhi’s residents. Many people have reported respiratory problems, such as asthma and bronchitis. The air pollution has also led to the closure of schools and government offices.
The Delhi government has been taking a number of steps to improve the air quality, but these measures have not been enough to bring the AQI below the safe level. The meeting between Saxena and Rai is a sign that the government is serious about addressing the air pollution problem.