Delhi is again turned in the severe category of the air quality index (AQI) today (November 08) after witnessing a marginal improvement on Tuesday. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the AQI in Anand Vihar was recorded at 452, in RK Puram at 433, in Punjabi Bagh at 460 and in ITO at 413.The AQI in NCR regions stands as follows: Greater Noida was the most polluted with an AQI of 474, whereas Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurugram and Faridabad recorded air quality in the very poor category at 6 am.Air quality across Delhi continues to be in the Severe category as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).AQI in Anand Vihar at 452, in RK Puram at 433, in Punjabi Bagh at 460 and in ITO at 413 pic.twitter.com/XkMRkt65sj— ANI (@ANI) November 8, 2023SC on Delhis worsening AQI Meanwhile, the Supreme Court (SC) on Tuesday also pulled up Punjab, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan governments to stop stubble burning amid worsening air quality in the national capital.The SC has firmly asked Punjab to stop farm fires and asked the advocate appearing for the Centre that the states must be helped to shift to an alternative crop (to paddy) to avoid farm fires.I dont know you have got all the officers... we have zero patience level on this…” said Justice Kaul on Delhis rising pollution levels.Further, the apex court also said that its directives against the use of banned chemicals in firecrackers applied to all states and not just Delhi and its neighbouring regions (Delhi-NCR).Notably, this clarification came during a hearing on an application seeking to direct Rajasthan to implement the courts order banning the use of certain firecrackers and reducing air and noise pollution.Delhis steps to combat air pollutionTo combat the worsening air quality in the city, extensive water spraying with dust suppressant powder was carried out in heavily polluted areas.According to the Delhi civic body, they have already deployed 517 surveillance teams comprising more than 1,100 officers to ensure the ban on construction and demolition.Delhi Mayor Shelly Oberoi said that the civic body has allocated Rs 20 lakh to each of the 12 zones to implement measures to curb pollution levels.
