Delhi’s Environment Minister, Gopal Rai, announced on Wednesday the government’s proactive monitoring of the city’s pollution levels. Depending on the severity, if it reaches the ‘severe’ plus category, authorities will consider implementing measures like artificial rain and the odd-even rule.
“The decision will be based on observations in the next two to three days,” Rai stated. “We will decide on artificial rain and the odd-even rule after assessing the situation. If pollution escalates to the ‘Severe’ plus category, we will take measures to address it.”
Rai also mentioned ongoing preparations for Chhath Puja at numerous locations in Delhi, with plans for over 1000 organized events. Additionally, teams have initiated work on cleaning the River Yamuna.
A dense layer of smog enveloped the national capital on Wednesday morning, with air quality registering in the ‘severe’ category across various parts of Delhi. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), RK Puram recorded an air quality index of 420 at 7 am on Wednesday, while New Moti Bagh was at 408, the IGI Airport area at 404, and Nehru Nagar at 433—all in the severe category.
