Delhi is still shrouded with a thick blanket of toxic smog as the air quality index (AQI) remains in the severe category as it recorded 350 in some locations on Thursday morning, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).Delhi AQI updates:As per CPCB, some of the worst affected areas are RK Puram (453), Punjabi Bagh (444), ITO (441) and Anand Vihar (432).Air quality across Delhi continues to be in the Severe category as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).AQI in Anand Vihar at 432, in RK Puram at 453, in Punjabi Bagh at 444 and in ITO at 441 pic.twitter.com/F2IAq456GA— ANI (@ANI) November 9, 2023Delhi has been witnessing rising pollution levels for a week now, prompting doctors to raise concerns about the growing number of respiratory and eye ailments among the kids and elderly.#WATCH | Delhi air quality continues to remain in the severe category as per the Central Pollution Control Board(Visuals from Connaught Place, shot at 7:00 a.m. today) pic.twitter.com/4t8qnRoyY1— ANI (@ANI) November 9, 2023SC on prohibiting app-based taxis in orders states from operating in DelhiTo combat the escalating AQI in the national capital, the Supreme Court has also proposed that the Delhi government consider prohibiting app-based taxis registered in other states from operating within the city. Delhis Transport Minister Gopal Rai has responded to this suggestion by affirming that his department has been tasked with implementing the courts recommendation.We may also note that there is a large number of app-based taxis in Delhi which have registrations in different states. If we look at the roads, each one is carrying only one passenger. We would like to know whether there is any way of monitoring, especially during this period, that only the taxis registered in Delhi are permitted to ply as an additional measure to control the pollution, the Supreme Court order read.Delhi govt. on winter breaksMoreover, the Delhi government has also decided to reschedule the winter break for all schools in the national capital in light of the deteriorating air quality. The winter break was initially planned to start in December, but it will now commence on November 9 and continue until November 18.Delhis odd-even car rationing scheme also hangs in the balance, awaiting the Top Courts assessment of its effectiveness. This announcement comes from a recent statement made by the Delhi government. The matter is scheduled for a hearing on Friday (November 09).Delhi-NCRs AQI plummeted over the past week due to falling temperatures, stagnant winds that stifled pollution dispersion, and a surge in post-harvest paddy stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana.
