Delhi Environment Minister announces measures as pollution levels rise

Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Tuesday announced a series of anti-pollution measures, including extra metro journeys, deployment of over 6,000 MCD personnel for dust control on roads and 1,800 more traffic personnel at points of congestion.

He made the announcements at a press conference here after the Gradual Response Action Plan (GRAP)-II came into effect in the national capital in view of the rising pollution levels in the city.

Rai said he will write to his counterparts in neighboring states such as Uttar Pradesh and Haryana not to deploy diesel buses in Delhi.

He said 1,800 additional traffic personnel will be deployed at 97 congestion points across the city, while inspections at construction and demolition sites will also be intensified under GRAP II.

He further said that the Delhi Metro will run 40 additional train trips daily from Wednesday and the frequency of DTC buses will also be increased to encourage people to use public transport to help combat pollution.

“With the changing climate in Delhi, we are also witnessing an increase in pollution levels. This trend is not limited to Delhi, it is being observed across North India as well,” he said.

“The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has established four levels to control pollution. Currently, the Air Quality Index (AQI) is above 300, which led to the implementation of GRAP Phase II,” he said.

The minister said that a meeting was held where measures were formulated to implement the necessary restrictions.

“Water spraying will be increased. The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) will deploy 6,200 workers for this purpose. We have directed an increase in water spraying at pollution hotspots. MCD has been instructed to begin this from October 25 ” he said. .

The Central Pollution Control Board on Monday invoked the second phase of GRAP in the national capital amid deteriorating air quality levels, imposing restrictions on the use of coal and firewood as well as diesel generator sets.

The restrictions came into force from 8am on Tuesday.