Delhi Air Quality: As growing pollution concerns grip the national capital amid deteriorating air quality, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai stated on Tuesday that the government is extensively preparing to combat this issue.Cracking Down on Norm ViolatorsMinister Rai emphasised that action will be taken against those who breach environmental norms and disclosed the development of a Winter action plan by the Delhi government.Minister Rais StatementAs the Diwali festival is around the corner, the Delhi government is making an all-round preparation to combat pollution. We are looking at every trivial factor that might aid in increasing pollution in Delhi. We are prepared to take strict action on those who violate the norms. The government is also preparing the Winter action plan, said Rai during an interview with ANI in Delhi.The AQI of Delhi rose above 300 the day before yesterday. As there is a change in the weather, the pollution will increase. Though, it has become better now, he added.Seeking Public CooperationWhile appealing for public cooperation in the fight against pollution, the environment minister said, Though we have banned firecrackers in Delhi. But the public too needs to cooperate with the government. Since everyone out there is grappling with pollution, one needs to make a point that one does not promote activities that might lead to an increase in toxicity in the air. Through everyones cooperation, we can achieve the goal of a clean environment.Addressing Traffic JamsDiscussing the role of traffic jams in exacerbating pollution, Gopal Rai noted, In yesterdays meeting, we instructed the police officials to increase the police force on the points where there are massive traffic jams. With that effect, 91 such points have been identified so that the pollution which is triggered due to the jams can be curbed.Diesel Buses and PollutionIn the meeting, which was held with the Union Environment Minister, we pointed out that the buses arriving from Uttar Pradesh or Haryana are those operated by Diesel, which leads to a rise in the pollution level. Though in Delhi, there are CNG or electric buses, which should be the case in Uttar Pradesh or Haryana as well, he added.Preparing for GRAP Phase 2Speaking on the second phase of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), the environment minister said, The government is moving towards the implementation of the second phase of GRAP. The next happens to be crucial provided the Diwali festival is around the corner.Continuing Air Quality ConcernsThe overall air quality in the national capital remained in the very poor category on Tuesday morning, SAFAR-India reported. The Air Quality Index (AQI) in the overall Delhi region was at 303. In the Delhi University area and Pusa, the air quality was recorded as very poor and poor with AQI values of 335 and 242, respectively.AQI and Air Quality CategoriesThe AQI serves as an effective tool for communicating air quality conditions to the public. It condenses complex air quality data into a single index value and categories, making it easy to comprehend. An AQI between 0 and 100 is considered good, between 100 and 200 is moderate, between 200 and 300 is poor, and above 300 is very poor.Expecting Air Quality ImprovementIndia Meteorological Department (IMD) scientist VK Soni reported that there will be some improvement in air quality following the implementation of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), but it will remain in the very poor category until October 26. He expressed hope that the measures under GRAP 2 will ultimately benefit air quality.Additional NotesThe Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is a set of guidelines and measures implemented to combat air pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR) of India, which includes Delhi and its surrounding areas.
