- On Saturday, the CPCB declared that the state of the air quality in Delhi is still classified as “severe.”
- Dalal provided data on farm fires that have occurred in Punjab and Haryana during the past three days.
- To reduce vehicle pollution, the Delhi Environment Minister has urged the Center to only permit CNG, electric, and BS VI-compliant vehicles in Delhi-NCR.
On Saturday, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) declared that the state of the air quality in Delhi is still classified as “severe.” AHI values of 448 were recorded in Anand Vihar, 421 in Jahangirpuri, 421 in Dwarka Sector-8, and 435 in IGI Airport (T3).
AQI values in Sector 116 and Sector 62 of Noida’s neighboring area were 426 and 428, respectively. In response to the city’s air quality entering the warning range, the Delhi government, MCD, and NDMC have implemented stage III of the pollution control plan, deployed anti-smog guns, and revived the “Red light on, Gaadi off” campaign.
City’s AQI
The Aam Aadmi Party reacted angrily to Haryana Agriculture Minister Jai Prakash Dalal’s criticism of the Bhagwant Mann government in Punjab over stubble-burning incidents. Dalal provided data on farm fires that have occurred in Punjab and Haryana during the past three days.
In Haryana, stubble burning incidents have totaled 99, 48, and 28 over the same period. Dalal was charged by the AAP with propagandizing, while the Khattar government was accused of politicizing and placing the blame on Punjab.
To reduce vehicle pollution, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai has urged the Center to only permit CNG, electric, and BS VI-compliant vehicles in Delhi-NCR.
Regarding the anticipated decline in air quality brought on by Diwali and stubble burning in nearby states, he voiced his concerns. The National Capital Region (NCR) includes the cities and towns of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan. As of November 1, only electric, CNG, and BS VI-compliant diesel buses are permitted to run between Delhi and these locations.
When the Air Quality Index (AQI) falls into the categories of poor, very poor, or severe, the chief secretaries of those states have received a directive from the National Green Tribunal (NGT) to respond promptly.
While considering a case in which it had reviewed the Central Pollution Control Board’s (CPCB) online air quality bulletins for several cities between October 20 and November 1, the tribunal issued this directive. On or before the next hearing date, the chief secretaries are required to present an action-taken report to the NGT.
The Delhi High Court has found the Delhi Government’s Forest department in contempt for permitting tree cutting in the nation’s capital, particularly in light of the recent spike in the Air Quality Index (AQI).
In addressing a petition filed by Bhavreen Kandhari, who wanted action taken against government employees for allegedly failing to justify tree cutting, Justice Jasmeet Singh led a single-judge bench.
