AMN / NEW DELHI
The Air Quality in National Capital Delhi is in very poor category. The Central Pollution Control Board said, Air Quality Index in the city was recorded 392 at 7 AM today.
Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Wednesday hit out at the Centre over the air pollution situation in the national capital. “Why does the environment minister (Bhupender Yadav) not call for a meeting. What is he scared about? We have been asking for a meeting since Diwali,” Rai said. The Minister said that the Delhi government had never claimed that stubble burning was the only cause behind air pollution. “We have our own sources of pollution and so we are running our campaigns. But we have to look at other states and factors – thermal power plants, construction, brick kilns,” he said.
Schools, colleges & libraries to remain shut in Delhi till further order
The schools, colleges and libraries will remain shut in Delhi till further order in view of the air pollution. Briefing reporters, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai said, there will be 100 per cent work from home for Delhi Government Departments till 21st of this month. He said, the construction and demolition work will also remain banned till 21st of November in the city. Mr. Rai said, vehicles, except those for essential services, from outside have been banned from entering the city. The Minister informed that one thousand private CNG buses will be hired to strengthen public transport in the national capital.
Mr Rai said, a Special Task Force of Traffic Police will be constituted to monitor the traffic congestion so that traffic flow can be made smooth. He said, 372 water sprinkling tanks operating in Delhi right now. Mr Rai said, water machines of fire brigade will be stationed at 13 hot spots to ensure more water sprinkling. He said, action will be taken against industries, if found to be using polluted fuel.
The Delhi government will hire 1,000 private CNG buses to increase the public transport system as an emergency measure to curb vehicular pollution in the capital, Environment Minister Gopal Rai said. “The process to hire 1000 private CNG buses to increase the public transport in Delhi will begin tomorrow. Metro-DTC have written to DDMA that the decision of allowing people only by sitting be