Delhi turned into a gas chamber again after 5 days. Even at 6 am on Saturday, pollution was reported in severe category in 9 areas of Delhi. According to the Central Pollution Control Board, Delhi's Wazirpur has the most toxic air. AQI was recorded here as 467. Also, Delhi recorded an average AQI of 419.
Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai wrote to the Chief Secretary of Delhi to strictly enforce the GRAP-4 regulations regarding the rising pollution. He said that the Chief Secretary should personally supervise.
In the letter he wrote – All departments in Delhi should publish daily reports related to GRAP-4. This will help identify areas that need more attention.
The Meteorological Department has released a map regarding pollution. It has been said that pollution in Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal is in the severe category.
3 pictures of pollution…
There was fog in Delhi on Saturday morning. A smog gun was used to reduce pollution.
The picture is from Gurugram. AQI was recorded above 400 here on Friday evening.
Anand Vihar in Delhi recorded an AQI of 458 on Saturday morning.
Gopal Rai reached the entry point, inspected the GRAP-4 restrictions On the other hand, the Supreme Court on Friday reprimanded the Delhi government for not stopping the entry of trucks. After this, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai reached the Singhu border late on Friday night and checked whether the trucks were being stopped. Gopal Rai said that 135 to 165 trucks are violating the rules every day, but they are being stopped from entering Delhi.
Gopal Rai wrote on the social media platform that we have received complaints that some vehicles are being allowed to enter Delhi without permission. After this complaint we have come to inspect the situation. The Central Government will formulate a protocol for assessment of stubble burning areas
On the other hand, a hearing was held in the Supreme Court on Friday regarding pollution. In which Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, who was present on behalf of the central government, said that the central government is making a protocol to assess those areas after stubble burning. The help of experts is being taken in this. Haryana and Punjab will also be in the committee.
He objected to foreign satellite data on stubble burning in India. Said- According to ISRO, foreign satellite data is not valid in India. On this, the court said that the government has to develop machinery to provide accurate data.
Central Pollution Control Board said – Cloud seeding is not effective in Delhi The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has said that artificial rainfall i.e. cloud seeding will not be effective as an emergency measure to control pollution in North India. This is because there is not enough moisture in the air for cloud seeding.
IIT Kanpur proposed to CPCB for cloud seeding to control pollution in Delhi. This has come to light in the inquiry of RTI activist Amit Gupta.
GRAP is imposed when AQI crosses 400
To check the air pollution level, it is divided into 4 categories. Standards and measures are fixed for each level. It is called a Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). Under its 4 categories, the government imposes restrictions and takes measures to reduce pollution.
Phases of GRAP
- Stage I 'Bad' (AQI 201-300)
- Stage II 'Very Bad' (AQI 301-400)
- Stage III 'Severe' (AQI 401-450)
- Stage IV 'Severe Plus' (AQI >450)
Image Credit: (Divya-Bhaskar): Images/graphics belong to (Divya-Bhaskar).