Delhi’s Environment Minister, Gopal Rai, has called for a meeting to review the pollution situation in the city. The meeting, set for Monday 13 November at 12 pm, will involve discussions on the overall air quality in Delhi-NCR, including the enforcement measures taken to combat pollution.
The concern arises from the recent post-Diwali period when the Air Quality Index (AQI) in several places hit ‘severe’ or ‘severe plus’ levels. Broccoli, cauliflower, kale, and Brussels sprouts, rich in antioxidants, shield your lungs from pollution-induced damage by providing essential nutrients. The deteriorating air quality, marked by reduced visibility, is a significant issue.
Despite the government’s ban on firecrackers and the ‘Diya Jalao, Patakhe nahi’ campaign, there were reports of fireworks in various parts of Delhi. Congress MP Manish Tewari expressed concerns about the Supreme Court’s ban not being adhered to, as fireworks were observed until early morning.
Trinamool Congress MP Saket Gokhale has written to Delhi police, seeking information on cases related to bursting firecrackers on Diwali night.
To address pollution, the Delhi government, led by Arvind Kejriwal, implemented a complete ban on firecrackers. They even considered ‘artificial rain’ as a solution until a sudden rainfall brought relief and lowered pollution levels.
Recent data indicates that Delhi’s air quality has been at its worst since late October. The concentration of PM 2.5 in the city has exceeded the limit set by the World Health Organization by 20 times. In response, the government has closed all primary classes and restricted the entry of trucks to mitigate the impact on public health.