As winter sets in, Delhi residents experienced chilly winds on Friday, with the city's air quality remaining in the "poor" category. According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) of the capital stood at 292 at 4 pm. Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported a maximum temperature of 36.2 degrees Celsius, which is four degrees above normal. The city's humidity levels varied between 51 per cent and 91 per cent throughout the day.
The weather department forecasts a clear sky for Saturday, with expected maximum and minimum temperatures around 35 degrees Celsius and 19 degrees Celsius, respectively, news agency PTI reported. An AQI between zero and 50 is considered "good," 51 and 100 "satisfactory," 101 and 200 "moderate," 201 and 300 "poor," 301 and 400 "very poor," and 401 and 500 "severe".
Delhi Pollution: Minister Gopal Rai Highlights 13 Hotspots
Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai addressed the worsening air quality, noting that pollution levels have surged in 13 hotspots across the city. "In Delhi, the air quality has reached the poor category, but the pollution has been on the rise in 13 hotspots. A 13-coordination committee has been set up for these 13 hotspots, the sources there have been identified, and MCD DCs have been made in charge of the same," he told news agency ANI. Rai also mentioned that mobile anti-smog guns would be deployed by the Public Works Department (PWD) to control dust pollution in these areas.
On the declining air quality, Minister Gopal Rai told ANI, “The effect of the adverse condition is visible in the pollution. The speed of the wind is decreasing in Delhi, and the temperature is going down rapidly. As a result, the air quality has reached the poor category. In some hotspots, the pollution is more than the poor category.” He announced that a meeting regarding these hotspots would be held at the Delhi Secretariat.
He also criticised the BJP governments in Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, and the Centre, stating, "We are creating a plan while the BJP governments are sleeping." He pointed out that the Supreme Court had ordered the installation of smog towers by both the Delhi and central governments, adding, “The BJP should also go to the Anand Vihar’s smog tower installed by them.”
Delhi Pollution: BJP Criticises AAP Govt For 'Double Blow Of Pollution'
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday accused the AAP government of negligence, alleging that Delhiites face a "double blow of pollution." In a statement, Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva criticised AAP over the air pollution issue and the thick layer of white froth floating on the Yamuna River. “Due to the negligence of Arvind Kejriwal’s team, Delhi is facing the double blow of pollution. Toxic particles fill the air, and the water of the Yamuna has become poisonous,” Sachdeva stated, as quoted by PTI.
Several videos of the white froth in the Yamuna River circulated online, with experts warning that it poses health risks, particularly as the festive season draws near. Sachdeva also recalled Kejriwal’s 2020 campaign promises, where he spoke of taking a dip in the Yamuna before the 2025 elections. He attributed the white foam to untreated sewage containing large amounts of phosphates and surfactants, adding, “Neither the Kejriwal government nor Atishi's administration has taken any action to address this issue.”
The Delhi Pollution Control Committee's (DPCC) August 2024 report revealed that 22 out of 37 Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) managed by the Delhi Jal Board failed to meet sanitation standards, the BJP’s statement mentioned.
In a bid to tackle rising pollution, the Delhi government on Tuesday activated Stage 1 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). This winter-specific plan includes measures like dust mitigation at construction sites, proper waste management, and regular road cleaning. It also mandates stricter checks on polluting vehicles, improved traffic management, and emission controls for industries, power plants, and brick kilns.