Delhi LG Reviews Deteriorating Air Quality Situation

New Delhi- Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena of Delhi convened a meeting with Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Friday evening to assess the escalating air pollution crisis in the national capital. In the meeting, the LG underscored the gravity of the situation, labeling it as “worrisome,” and expressed deep concern regarding the unabated surge in Air Quality Index (AQI) levels, as conveyed by the LG office.

Several interim measures were agreed upon, including:

• The environment department will issue advisories urging children and the elderly to take extra precautions and remain indoors as much as possible.
• An appeal will be made to the public to minimize unnecessary travel and, when essential, to use public transport to reduce traffic volume and subsequently curb emissions and dust pollution.
• Comprehensive measures under the Comprehensive Action Plan for Air Quality Management (CAQM) will be rigorously enforced on the ground, with all relevant departments and officials ensuring compliance.
• All mechanized road sweepers, water sprinklers, and anti-smog equipment (Static, Mobile, and those atop High-Rise buildings) will be optimally utilized, possibly in double shifts if required.
• The health department will be on standby to provide assistance to any resident of the city in need.

The meeting saw the participation of Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai, Chief Secretary (via video conference), Chairman of the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), Secretary of Environment, and Member Secretary of DPCC. Notably, the Delhi Chief Minister, who was outside of Delhi at the time, was unable to attend the meeting.

The Lieutenant Governor reiterated the necessity of implementing a long-term, permanent action plan once the current emergency situation is brought under control.