Even though the government has taken action in an effort to improve the AQI (Air Quality Index), which was recorded to be in the “severe” category on Saturday morning, Delhi’s air pollution continues to be a major worry. The AQI is divided into six categories, from “good” to “severe,” the latter of which “severely effects those with pre-existing disease and adversely affects healthy persons.” The national capital and adjacent cities’ bad air is mostly attributed to farm fires in Punjab. In response to criticism, the administration has taken a number of actions.
All primary schools in Delhi are closed through November 8 On Saturday morning, Gurugram’s AQI was 478 while Noida’s AQI was 529. Both cities are in the National Capital Region. Residents have been complaining about itchy eyes and a sore throat as long as the air is still unbreathable. Schools in Noida are also offering online courses. Additionally, outdoor activities are prohibited for secondary school pupils in the national capital.
Gopal Rai, the minister of environment for Delhi, announced on Friday that government workplaces will be required to allow 50% of employees to work from home. The same advice has also been given to private offices by the government.
In addition, the government has imposed a 20,000 punishment for the use of private diesel vehicles that do not meet the new BS-VI emissions requirements, which mandate the use of gasoline with less sulphur content.
Heavy vehicles cannot enter the national capital unless they are carrying necessities.
Arvind Kejriwal, whose AAP currently controls both Delhi and Punjab and is under harsh criticism for the air quality, has pleaded with the Centre to take action, arguing that this is a national issue.
View the smog in the cities of North India. Not just Punjab and Del are involved. North India as a whole is very polluted. Let’s stop assigning blame. Let’s resolve the issue as a nation. First year in Punjab for us. The Punjab government gave it its best effort in the limited time available. We should see positive results by the end of the year, Kejriwal wrote in a tweet on Friday, echoing comments he had made earlier in a briefing alongside Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.
On Friday, Punjab field fires were to blame for more than 30% of the air pollution in Delhi-NCR, making it two days in a row.
Mann emphasised the necessity for the help of the federal government while his government searches for a solution and the fact that farmers shouldn’t be held responsible for the burning of stubble.
Vinai Kumar Saxena, the lieutenant governor of Delhi, and Mann quarrelled over Saxena’s assertion that Punjab stubble burning had once more transformed the city “into a gas chamber.”
Next week, the Supreme Court will hear a lawsuit that requests immediate action to reduce Delhi’s air pollution. Senior government representatives from the states of Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and the capital have all been questioned on the National Human Rights Commission of India’s actions.