5% increase in air pollution in Delhi and its surrounding areas

Noida’s Air Quality Index reached 576

New Delhi –The air pollution in Delhi and its neighbouring areas is day by day reaching hazardous levels. On the 4th of November, the Air Quality Index in New Delhi was 534, Noida 576, and Gurugram 512. Ordinarily, this count is supposed to be at 100. This means that the pollution in Delhi and its, surrounding areas have increased by 5%. A Senior Lung specialist, at Medanta Hospital, Gurugram Dr Arvind Kumar said, “Our air quality is around 450-500, which is equal to about 25-30 cigarettes in terms of damage to the body… citizens have all sorts of breathing problems. And it is extremely dangerous for the foetuses of the pregnant women.”

Delhi Government has requested the Union Government to hold an emergency meeting with neighbouring States

Gopal Rai the Environment Minister of the AAP Delhi Government said, “I am writing a letter to the Union Government saying that the Union Environment Minister should call an emergency meeting of the Environment Ministers of all five States (Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and Rajasthan Governments) immediately. Because the orders of CAQM are not being implemented in the States.”

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued notice to the Chief Secretary of Punjab and the Member Secretary of the Punjab Pollution Control Board over the issue of stubble burning in Punjab. The Tribunal has also asked for a report on action taken from the Punjab PCB and the Commission for Air Quality Management by the next date of hearing, which is 8th November.

#WATCH | Delhi | ANI drone camera footage from the Nizamuddin Bridge shows a thick layer of haze in the air. Visuals shot at 5.30 pm today.

The air quality in Delhi continues to be in the ‘Severe’ category as per CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board). pic.twitter.com/LCKAY3esJJ

— ANI (@ANI) November 4, 2023

Forest Department responsible for Delhi’s air pollution

Delhi High Court has slammed the Forest Department

Delhi High Court slammed the Forest Department while hearing a plea seeking action against officers who, despite clear directions of the HC in an April 2022 order requiring them to “spell out reasons for felling of even a single tree”, were not complying with the same. A single-judge Bench presided over by Justice Jasmeet Singh expressed concern, stating, “You (forest department) want people to live in gas chambers? You are responsible for the mess that the citizens of Delhi are in today due to air pollution. This is unacceptable. This is a blatant violation, dereliction of duty, amounts to cutting corners, and is a total disregard for the orders of the Court”.

Editorial Perspective

It is regrettable and shameful that despite being aware that air pollution increases every year at this time, all the political parties do not make a united effort to solve the issue. The public also does not demand answers from the politicians.