Delhi’s Air Quality Worsens: Chief Minister Atishi Takes Action
On Friday, a thick layer of smog covered Delhi, causing the Air Quality Index (AQI) to fall into the ‘Poor’ category at 293. Anand Vihar’s AQI hit 339, classified as ‘Very Poor’. India Gate recorded an AQI of 270, while Dwarka, Sector-8, and Vivek Vihar also faced ‘Very Poor’ conditions with AQIs of 325 and 324, respectively.
The Central Pollution Control Board warns that ‘Poor’ AQI can cause breathing discomfort, while ‘Very Poor’ can lead to respiratory illnesses with prolonged exposure. In response, the Delhi government, led by Chief Minister Atishi, has enforced the Graded Response Action Plan-1 (GRAP-1) to improve air quality.
During a high-level meeting, Chief Minister Atishi, Environment Minister Gopal Rai, and senior officials discussed measures to combat pollution. The Public Welfare Department (PWD) is deploying 200 anti-smog guns, while other agencies like the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) are also contributing.
Additionally, 99 teams will inspect construction sites for dust control, and extra personnel will manage traffic-prone areas. Residents are encouraged to carpool, avoid burning crackers and waste, and report pollution via the Green Delhi app. These efforts aim to reduce PM 2.5 and PM 10 levels, which contribute to dust pollution.
Doubts Revealed
Air Quality Index (AQI) -: The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a number used to tell how clean or polluted the air is. It helps people understand if the air outside is safe to breathe.
Anand Vihar -: Anand Vihar is a place in Delhi, India. It is known for being a busy area with lots of traffic and people.
Dwarka -: Dwarka is a large residential area in Delhi, India. It is one of the city’s well-planned neighborhoods.
Vivek Vihar -: Vivek Vihar is another residential area in Delhi, India. It is known for its community living and local markets.
Chief Minister Atishi -: Atishi is a leader in the Delhi government. She is responsible for making important decisions to help improve the city, like tackling pollution.
Graded Response Action Plan-1 (GRAP-1) -: GRAP-1 is a set of rules and actions that the government uses to reduce pollution when the air quality gets very bad. It includes steps like using special machines to clean the air and checking construction sites for dust.
Anti-smog guns -: Anti-smog guns are machines that spray water into the air to help reduce pollution. They are used to make the air cleaner by settling dust and other particles.
Carpool -: Carpooling means sharing a car ride with other people going in the same direction. It helps reduce the number of cars on the road, which can lower pollution.
