Delhi's Plummeting Air Quality Puts Brakes On BS-3, BS-4 Cars, AAP Govt Urges People To Use Public Transport

The home government of the national capital of India, Delhi has recently issued multiple warnings regarding the alarming increase in levels of pollution in the National Capital Region. Delhi’s AQI levels have crossed the 400 mark in various areas of the capital and the air quality is being rated as ‘Severe’. In response to these conditions, the Delhi government has requested the local population of the city to avoid using their private vehicles and use public transport instead. 

ALSO READ: Royal Enfield Himalayan 452 Details Revealed Ahead Of Official Launch On November 7; Check Here

This significant deterioration in AQI can be attributed to several factors including weather patterns, stubble burning, construction activities and more, play a role in the deteriorating air quality levels. However, vehicle emissions are also considered a significant contributor to the deterioration in AQI as they are also substantially responsible for increased air pollution in the city.

Gopal Rai, Delhi’s Environment Minister on Friday addressed the Delhi locals, asking them to make use of public transport and avoid using their private vehicles. Gopal Rai on Friday said, “I appeal to the people of Delhi to use public transport including metro and buses to control pollution due to vehicles. The decision on the further closure of schools in Delhi will be taken on the basis of air quality on 6th November.” 

Additionally, Delhi Minister and AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj also said that the severity of air quality conditions in Noida, Gurugram, or Faridabad are higher than in Delhi. The Air Quality Index in NCR is deteriorating as the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has revealed data showing that Mundka (498) and Jahangirpuri (491) are currently the two most polluted areas in the capital. The situation is not any better in neighbouring Noida (Uttar Pradesh) and Gurugram (Haryana), where AQI levels are significantly above 400, indicating very poor air quality. 

ALSO READ: Volvo Registers 10 Per Cent Year-On-Year Growth, Owing To Increasing Demand Of Its Electric Cars: Report

According to pollution-monitoring agencies, the poor air quality in Delhi is expected to continue for at least another two weeks and could deteriorate further due to Diwali celebrations. The Delhi government is strongly emphasising on regulating vehicular emissions and is highlighting the contribution of polluting vehicles from neighbouring states entering the city. However, the Delhi government is also being criticised for not having a well-defined action plan of its own to effectively combat the air pollution problem.