New Delhi: As Delhi grapples with worsening air quality each passing day, toxic foam floating on Yamuna waters has doubled up city’s misery.
Watch the video below:
PWD vehicles sprinkle water
A video from Chanakyapuri showed Public Works Department (PWD) vehicles spraying water in parts of the national capital to reduce dust pollution, as part of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-1).
On Friday, a thick layer of smog blanketed Delhi, and the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) dropped to 293, placing it in the ‘poor’ category.
Delhi AQI
- In Anand Vihar, the AQI fell to 339, which is considered ‘very poor.’
- At India Gate and nearby areas, the AQI was recorded at 270, marked as ‘poor.’
- In Dwarka, Sector-8, the AQI hit 325, also classified as ‘very poor.’
- Vivek Vihar saw its AQI rise to 324, moving it into the ‘very poor’ category.
According to the Central Pollution Control Board, AQI levels in the ‘poor’ category can cause breathing discomfort with prolonged exposure, while ‘Very Poor’ levels can lead to respiratory illness.
PWD to deploy 200 anti-smog guns
Earlier this week, the Delhi government announced the strict enforcement of measures under GRAP-1 to improve the city’s air quality.
The announcement came after a high-level meeting chaired by Delhi chief minister Atishi, with environment minister Gopal Rai and senior officials.
As per the plan, 99 teams have been tasked with inspecting construction sites for dust control.
The PWD will deploy 200 anti-smog guns, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) 30, the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) 14, and the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) 80.
Additionally, Delhi Police will increase personnel in traffic-heavy areas, and Home Guards will be on standby if needed.
Chief minister Atishi also urged residents to carpool, avoid burning crackers and waste and report pollution issues through the Green Delhi app.