Delhi government to NGT: High air pollution due to crop burning in neighbouring states

New Delhi: The National Green Tribunal (NGT), on Friday, has slammed Centre, Delhi government for not taking steps to tackle alarming air pollution level in national capital. The Delhi government has told NGT that high air pollution is due to crop burning in Haryana, Punjab and Rajasthan, reported PTI. After this the NGT has asked Environment Secretaries of 4 states (including Delhi) to submit a report on burning of agricultural residues and pollution control to the tribunal by November 8. The NGT has also clarified the Delhi Government that high air pollution in Delhi is not only due to crop burning in neighbouring states. Level of pollution in Delhi: In Delhi, pollution level is six times above normal. Breathing in Delhi air is as harmful as smoking 40 cigarettes. What Meteorological Department says: According to Meteorological Department, there will be smog in Delhi for next 2-3 days. However, on Friday, there was comparatively less smog than Thursday. Schools shut due to high pollution levels in Delhi-NCR: As smog envelopes Delhi, a few schools in the National Capital Region have decided to remain closed on Friday while a few others have suspended morning assemblies and curbed outdoor activities for the coming days to prevent students from inhaling noxious early morning air. Reportedly, The Shri Ram School (Delhi, Gurgaon and Greater Noida) will remain closed from Friday to Monday while The Heritage School, Vasant Kunj and Gurgaon, and Modern School, Vasant Vihar, will remain shut on Friday to prevent exposure to the alarmingly high pollution levels post Diwali. Also, the Tagore International School in Vasant Vihar has postponed its sports day from November to February, It has been found out that India’s air quality this year is worst in the world. The Delhi High Court had last year observed that living in Delhi was akin to living in a “gas chamber” as it directed the Centre and the city government to present comprehensive action plans to combat it. On the morning of November 1, the peak levels of pollution (PM2.5 and PM10) was recorded over ten times the safe limit. In light of the critical weather conditions, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) directed Delhi government to call a meeting and file a status report by Friday, according to media reports.