New Delhi (NVI): Delhi National Capital Region (NCR) continues to choke in “severe” air for the seventh consecutive day on November 4, even as the odd-even traffic initiative came into effect while school were ordered closed in Ghaziabad, Noida and Gurugram till Nov 5.
The Air Quality Index recorded at alarming 708 at 8 am according to the data of System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR). Pollution levels in Delhi and NCR have peaked towards three years high as thick blanket of a smog continue to envelope several parts of the national capital where AQI even reached 999 mark (Hazardous Category) at several places.
The road rationing scheme was kicked in for the third time since 2016, and this emergency measure mandate under ‘Graded Response Action Plan’ will be in place in Delhi-NCR for 12 days till November 15. Even electric and hybrid vehicles have been included under the ambit of odd-even rule.
Meanwhile, in the view of deteriorating air quality, Principal Secretary to Prime Minister, P.K Mishra held high-level meeting with Punjab, Haryana and Delhi government to tackle air pollution. In the meeting, the Cabinet Secretary was asked to monitor the situation of these states on a daily basis. Also, the State Chief Secretaries were asked to monitor districts situation on 24×7 hrs basis.
Meanwhile, Chairman UP Pollution Control Board JPS Rathore today said apart from taking measures to control #pollution, state govt is in talks with IIT Delhi, IIT Bombay, IIT Kanpur to use spl apparatus in vehicles & industries which will curb pollution by at least 90%.
Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh had on November 3 said, the centre has to step in and help arrive at a consensus to resolve the pollution crisis caused by stubble burning. The CM in a statement had said that the Punjab government has initiated action against 2,923 farmers so far in 20,729 cases of stubble burning reported till November 1.
More than 30 flights were diverted and around 550 flights have been delayed from Delhi airport due to poor visibility on Nov 3.
“Due to low visibility, flight operations at Delhi Airport are affected. All CAT-II compliant pilots are able to operate. Passengers are requested to contact the airline concerned for updated flight information. Any inconvenience caused is regretted,” International Indira Gandhi Airport tweeted.
–nad/ps
