Delhi’s Air Pollution Crisis
Vijender Gupta’s Criticism
Vijender Gupta, the Leader of Opposition in the Delhi assembly, has criticized the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government for not taking effective measures against the rising air pollution in Delhi. He pointed out that despite the Air Quality Index (AQI) crossing 350, the government is still engaged in politics. Gupta questioned the off-roading of electric buses, suggesting that operational electric buses could significantly reduce pollution.
Current Pollution Situation
On Wednesday, Delhi was covered in thick smog with an AQI of 354. Doctors have reported a 15% increase in patients with respiratory issues due to the pollution. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has implemented GRAP-II measures in response to the “Very Poor” air quality, as confirmed by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
Government’s Response
Environment Minister Gopal Rai expressed concerns about the pollution, attributing it to northwest winds carrying smoke from stubble burning in Haryana and Punjab. He has alerted all departments and plans to write to the Union Environment Minister to call a meeting. Rai also mentioned the need to advance research on artificial rain by IIT Kanpur and has requested neighboring states to avoid sending diesel vehicles to Delhi.
Efforts to Combat Pollution
The Public Works Department (PWD) has been sprinkling water to mitigate pollution effects.
Doubts Revealed
Vijender Gupta -: Vijender Gupta is a politician in Delhi, India. He is the Leader of Opposition, which means he is the main person who speaks against the current government in Delhi.
AAP Government -: AAP stands for Aam Aadmi Party, which is a political party in India. They are currently in charge of the government in Delhi.
Air Pollution -: Air pollution is when the air becomes dirty and harmful to breathe. It can be caused by smoke, dust, and other pollutants.
AQI -: AQI stands for Air Quality Index. It is a number that shows how clean or polluted the air is. A higher number means more pollution.
Electric Buses -: Electric buses are buses that run on electricity instead of petrol or diesel. They are better for the environment because they do not produce harmful smoke.
Stubble Burning -: Stubble burning is when farmers burn the leftover parts of crops in their fields. This creates a lot of smoke and contributes to air pollution.
Artificial Rain -: Artificial rain is when scientists try to make it rain by using special techniques. This can help clean the air by washing away pollutants.
PWD -: PWD stands for Public Works Department. It is a government department responsible for building and maintaining public infrastructure like roads and bridges.