Delhi Govt Identifies 8 More Hotspots, To Use Dust Suppressant Powder As Air Quality Worsens

Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai has said that eight more hotspots have been identified after air quality worsened on Monday. He said anti-smog guns and dust suppressant powders will be used.

Delhi government on Monday identified eight more hotspots across the city, apart from the existing 13, where the Air Quality Index (AQI) crossed the 300 mark. Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai said AQI levels plummeted to the 'Very Poor' category in many areas due to "local reasons", adding that special teams would be deployed to identify the reason for pollution in these regions. The minister also said that authorities will be using the dust suppressant powder to curb dust pollution.

Delhi recorded an AQI of 309 early Monday morning and in several places, the index stood at as low as 333.

"There are 13 pollution hotspots in Delhi. Today, 8 other points including Shadipur, Mandir Marg, Patparganj, Sonia Vihar, and Moti Bagh witnessed AQI levels above 300 today due to local reasons. Special teams will be deputed here to identify and inspect local sources of pollution there," Rai said in a press conference after chairing a meeting on pollution control measures for the national capital.

"Delhi will use dust suppressant powder to curb dust pollution," he added, as quoted by PTI.

Rai also said that district collectors have been directed to conduct field visits on October 25 and ensure the strict implementation of pollution mitigation measures.

"Directions have also been issued to use dust suppressant powder in anti-smog guns to prevent dust pollution. The anti-dust campaign will be strengthened, and more field visits will be conducted," he said, reported PTI.

Speaking on concerns of pollution, Delhi Mayor Shelly Oberoi said that be it MLAs or councillors, all are working to control the pollution levels. "...The citizens also have to understand that their contribution is important when it comes to controlling pollution levels..." she said.

Meanwhile, phase 2 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) was enforced in the city on Monday in view of rising air pollution and water was sprinkled through an anti-smog gun at Deen Dayal Upadhyay Road after the regulations were implemented.

IMD Scientist Dr. VK Soni has said that the air quality has dropped to 313 and there is a high possibility that it will remain at this level for the next couple of days. "The primary cause of this poor AQI is the changing weather," Soni said.

Amid this, Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena has spoken to the Chief Secretary, NDMC Chairman, MCD Commissioner and Secretary (Health), GNCTD to ensure proper sanitation and mitigation of mosquito breeding in view of Dengue cases in the national capital.