Delhi-NCR covered with thick blanket of poisonous smog, Environment Minister calls meeting

Delhi's Environment Minister Gopal Rai has called a meeting of all concerned departments at Delhi Secretariat today regarding increasing pollution and strict implementation of GRAP-4.

In this meeting, Transport, Education Officers of MCD, NDMC, DCB, REVENUE, GAD, Delhi Police, Delhi traffic police, DPCC etc. were included.

In view of the increasing level of pollution, Phase IV of Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) has been imposed in Delhi-NCR. GRAP-4 applies when the Air Quality Index (AQI) is above 450 or in the "severe plus" category.

Delhi's air remained severely polluted for the seventh consecutive day on Monday morning and the Air Quality Index (AQI) is still in the 'severe' category. The most affected areas in the national capital include RK Puram (466), ITO (402), Patparganj (471), and New Moti Bagh (488).

In view of the increasing air pollution levels in the national capital, the Delhi government has closed all schools up to class 5 till November 10. At the same time, the government has said that there is no need to close classes 6-12, but if schools wish, they have the option to run online classes.

Even today, a suffocating blanket of toxic smog remained over Delhi, prompting doctors to express concern about the rising number of respiratory and eye diseases among children and the elderly. The AIIMS doctor said, "It is important to understand that apart from respiratory diseases, air pollution also affects various systems of the body. Pollution has a direct link with coronary artery diseases like heart attack, brain stroke and arthritis. We have There is scientific evidence that establishes its association with various types of cancer.

In the last few days, the government's safe limit of microscopic PM2.5 particles of 60 micrograms per cubic meter has increased by seven to eight times at many places in Delhi-NCR. This was 80 to 100 times more than the WHO's safe limit of 5 micrograms per cubic meter. Particulate matter PM2.5 particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and cause health problems.

GRAP bars trucks from entering Delhi, except those carrying essential goods to combat severe air pollution, or providing essential services powered by LNG, CNG, or electricity. Only electric, CNG and BS-VI diesel light commercial vehicles (LCVs), except vehicles carrying essential goods or providing essential services, registered outside Delhi are allowed to enter the city.