Delhi’s Air Quality Worsens: BJP Protests, Government Bans Firecrackers
As the air quality in Delhi reaches alarming levels, the Public Works Department (PWD) has taken action by spraying water droplets to combat the pollution. On the eve of Diwali, a smog layer covered the city, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) exceeding 300, indicating ‘very poor’ conditions. Specific areas like Anand Vihar and Ashok Vihar recorded AQIs of 351, while Bawana and Wazipur were also in the ‘very poor’ category.
In addition to air pollution, toxic foam was observed on the Yamuna River at Kalindi Kunj. The Delhi Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders reported 108 stubble burning incidents in Punjab, protesting against Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann for air pollution issues. They attempted to meet him to present a memorandum but were unsuccessful.
To address pollution, the Delhi government has banned firecrackers until January 1. Environment Minister Gopal Rai launched the ‘Diya Jalao, Patake Nahi’ campaign, encouraging residents to celebrate Diwali with diyas instead of firecrackers. Rai emphasized the importance of public cooperation in reducing pollution.
Doubts Revealed
AQI -: AQI stands for Air Quality Index. It is a number used to tell how clean or polluted the air is. A higher number means the air is more polluted.
BJP -: BJP stands for Bharatiya Janata Party. It is one of the major political parties in India.
PWD -: PWD stands for Public Works Department. It is a government department responsible for public infrastructure like roads and buildings.
Stubble burning -: Stubble burning is when farmers set fire to the leftover straw and crop residue in their fields. This practice can cause a lot of air pollution.
Yamuna River -: The Yamuna River is a major river in India that flows through Delhi. It is often polluted with waste and chemicals.
Diya Jalao, Patake Nahi -: This is a campaign encouraging people to light diyas (oil lamps) instead of bursting firecrackers during Diwali. It aims to reduce air pollution.
Gopal Rai -: Gopal Rai is the Environment Minister of Delhi. He is responsible for managing environmental issues in the city.
