Delhi's Air Quality Crisis: Minister Gopal Rai Reschedules Meeting Amid Severe Pollution
Delhi's Air Quality Crisis
Minister Gopal Rai Reschedules Meeting Amid Severe Pollution
In New Delhi, the air quality has worsened significantly, prompting Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai to address the issue. A meeting scheduled for noon with senior department officers to implement GRAP IV was postponed due to the absence of key officials. Minister Rai expressed frustration over the negligence, stating, "Despite the dangerous pollution levels, no senior officer attended the meeting." He urged officials to attend a rescheduled meeting at 3 PM.
Meanwhile, adverse weather and smog conditions led to the diversion of eleven flights from Indira Gandhi International Airport. The diversions were part of the 'Captain Minima' procedures, which ensure safe landing standards. The airport issued an advisory about potential flight disruptions, although 'Low Visibility Procedures' were in place.
The air quality in Delhi has reached 'severe plus' levels, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 490. Specific areas like Dwarka Sector 8 and Ashok Vihar reported AQI levels of 500 and 497, respectively. In response, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has enforced the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage 4, which includes an 8-point action plan to combat pollution. Measures include banning non-essential truck entry into Delhi.
Doubts Revealed
Air Quality Crisis
An air quality crisis means the air is very polluted and not safe to breathe. This can cause health problems for people, especially those with breathing issues.
Gopal Rai
Gopal Rai is a politician in India who is responsible for looking after the environment in Delhi. He works to make sure the air and surroundings are clean and safe.
GRAP IV
GRAP IV stands for Graded Response Action Plan Stage 4. It is a set of rules and actions to control air pollution when it becomes very severe.
Indira Gandhi International Airport
Indira Gandhi International Airport is the main airport in Delhi, where planes take off and land. It is named after a former Prime Minister of India.
Smog
Smog is a mix of smoke and fog, making the air look hazy and dirty. It happens when pollution from cars and factories mixes with fog.
Air Quality Index
The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a number that shows how clean or polluted the air is. A higher number means the air is more polluted and can be harmful to health.
Severe plus levels
Severe plus levels mean the air pollution is extremely high and very dangerous to breathe. It is the worst level of air quality.
Commission for Air Quality Management
The Commission for Air Quality Management is a group of people who make rules to keep the air clean. They decide what actions to take when pollution gets too high.
Non-essential truck entry
Non-essential truck entry means trucks that are not carrying important goods are not allowed to enter the city. This helps reduce pollution from truck exhaust.
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