(Image source from: PTI)

The Delhi Environment Minister announced that the Delhi Metro will add 40 more daily trips, and the frequency of DTC buses will be increased, to encourage the use of public transportation amid rising air pollution in the capital. Additionally, 1,800 more traffic personnel will be deployed at 97 locations, and inspections at construction and demolition sites will be intensified. The GRAP-II (Graded Response Action Plan) rules have also been enforced across North India, as the air quality index has crossed 300. This includes regular mechanical and vacuum sweeping, as well as water sprinkling on identified roads. Water sprinkling will also be increased at pollution hotspots, with over 6,000 municipal workers deployed, and neighboring states will be requested not to send diesel buses to Delhi. A coordination committee has been formed to monitor the implementation of these action plans at hotspot areas daily, under the supervision of the Deputy Commissioner.

On Tuesday, the Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 385, indicating very poor air quality, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The Environment Minister stated that five new initiatives have been introduced in GRAP-II, including the regulation of diesel generators and increased parking costs to discourage people from using their cars for commuting. The aim is to further reduce dust and vehicular pollution. The Commission for Air Quality Management has called a meeting with senior officials to improve the implementation of GRAP-II in the Delhi NCR region, as the overall Air Quality Index has dropped into the 'very poor' category. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change released a statement, noting that the daily average AQI of Delhi is likely to remain in the 'very poor' category (AQI 301-400) in the coming days due to unfavourable meteorological and climatic conditions. The Commission for Air Quality Management in the National Capital Region and surrounding areas (CAQM) held a meeting today to assess the air quality situation in Delhi-NCR.