A thick layer of toxic smog enveloped parts of the national capital on Wednesday, with visuals from the ITO area highlighting the deteriorating air quality. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has activated all measures under GRAP Stage-IV in Delhi-NCR.
According to the news agency ANI, the Air Quality Index (AQI) at ITO was recorded at 374, placing it in the ‘very poor’ category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
Similar conditions were reported near India Gate, where Republic Day parade rehearsals continued despite the heavy smog. The AQI in the area was 354, also categorised as ‘very poor’, CPCB data showed.
Meanwhile, the Delhi Cabinet, under the leadership of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, on Tuesday approved a series of significant measures to strengthen the capital’s fight against pollution and improve environmental governance, according to a press release.
Announcing the outcomes, Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said the initiatives would bring “a decisive reduction in sources of air and water pollution, while creating a cleaner, more sustainable urban environment.”
The Cabinet approved an allocation of Rs 100 crore for the rejuvenation of water bodies under the Delhi government. Out of approximately 1,000 water bodies in Delhi, 160 fall under the Delhi government’s domain, reported ANI.
Sirsa stated, “The rejuvenation of Delhi’s water bodies will play a crucial role in pollution control. The Chief Minister has directed that every possible financial support be extended to complete this work within the year.”
Elsewhere in northern India, the weather remained harsh due to dense fog and cold waves.
Weather in cities of India
In Haryana’s Ambala, dense fog was reported, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing an orange alert. The minimum temperature is forecast at 11 degrees Celsius.
In Uttar Pradesh, dense fog engulfed Ayodhya as the cold wave intensified. The IMD has forecast a minimum temperature of 11 degrees Celsius and issued a yellow alert.
A dense layer of fog also enveloped Kanpur, where the IMD issued a yellow alert and forecast a minimum temperature of 10 degrees Celsius.
Moradabad too woke up to dense fog as a cold wave gripped the city. The IMD has forecast a minimum temperature of 11 degrees Celsius and issued an orange alert.
(With ANI inputs)