"Northern States will have to work together": Delhi environment minister appeals for team efforts to mitigate air pollution
Nov 05, 2024
New Delhi [India], November 5 : As the national capital grapples with air pollution, Environment Minister Gopal Rai pitched for a united effort in North Indian states to mitigate pollution, while accusing BJP governments in neighbouring states of doing 'politics' ocer air pollution.
"In Centre, UP, Haryana and Rajasthan, there are BJP governments. They don't know how to do something other than politics. All the governments of the Northern States will have to work together. The Delhi government is working day and night and the BJP government is sitting silently. This gap needs to be filled," Gopal Rai told ANI.
The AAP leader accused BJP of running away from its responsibilities.
"The drama of BJP workers won't help in reducing the pollution. BJP is running away from its responsibilities,' Rai added.
The air quality of the national capital has been in the 'very poor' category for the last several days, with many areas in the national capital reaching 'severe' category.
An AQI is considered "poor" between '200 and 300', "very poor" at '301 and 400', "severe" at '401-450," and 450 and above is "severe plus."
The AQI of Delhi was recorded at 384 at 8 AM on Tuesday, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
According to SAFAR India, air quality in several places in Delhi crossed the 400 mark on Tuesday morning, making it reach the 'severe' category.
At around 7.00 AM on Monday, Mundka recorded an AQI of 416, Vivek Vihar at 424, Ashok Vihar at 418, New Moti Bagh at 414, Anand Vihar at 457, Rohini at 401 and Dwarka Sector 8 at 404. All these areas reported 'severe' air quality levels, posing significant health risks. The AQI at Pusa was recorded at 364 during the same time, RK Puram at 396, ITO at 343 Lodhi Road at 346 and Narela at 390.
On toxic foam in the Yamuna River, Delhi Environment Minister said, " The foam is visible in Kalindi Kunj, the dirty water that is being sent from Uttar Pradesh; work to clean it is continuously underway...in Delhi, in 1000s of areas, we are making arrangements for Chhath Puja."
Toxic foam has been piled up in the Yamuna River in the Kalindi Kunj area of the national capital due to the release of toxic water from industries.
