The concerns surrounding ‘poor air quality’ increase dramatically as winters set-in in National Capital and its surrounding areas.
People woke up to poor air quality on Thursday morning.
The Central Pollution Control Board, reported that the air quality index was 293 around 9 am which is in the poor category.
In certain pockets the AQI was much worse. 391 recorded in Connaught Place, the heart of the capital. Falling in the very poor category and almost in the severe category. Many Green areas of the national capital also recorded poor air quality. At around 5 in the evening
POOR AQI IN NATIONAL CAPITAL
*Delhi University – 309
*Chandni Chowk – 314
*Lodhi Road- 302
*IIT Delhi – 303
*Indira Gandhi International Airport – 240
*ITO – 288
*Mandir Marg – 254
*Punjabi Bagh – 284
Minister of State for Home Affairs Kishan Reddy said that more steps need to be taken to reduce air pollution in the capital. He was speaking at an event in Delhi.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said on Thursday that Private vehicles carrying school children in uniform will be exempted from the odd-even scheme. The scheme will be effective from November 4 to November 15, and is being implemented in view of the severe air pollution in the national capital.Two-wheelers will be exempt under the scheme.
Violation of the rules will attract a penalty of Rs. 4,000, double of the earlier fine of Rs 2,000. Private CNG vehicles will also have to follow the scheme, including all non-goods vehicles coming to Delhi from other states.
It is a matter of concern that the health of people living in and around the capital is adversely impacted because of the poor air quality. Children and the elderly are the worst affected.