Smoke Coming In From UP, Haryana; Punjab Not Behind Air Pollution In Delhi: Gopal Rai

Delhi Air Pollution: Delhi's Environment Minister Gopal Rai said the current deterioration in the city's air quality was a result of farm fires in Uttar Pradesh and Haryana and not Punjab. He said that the worsening levels of air pollution in Delhi was due to smoke arising out of stubble burning in the two neighbouring states of the city.

"Central government figures show that less stubble has been burnt in Punjab this year in comparison to last year. Punjab's stubble smoke does not have as much impact on Delhi as that of Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. This is because there is no movement in the wind," Rai stated.

#WATCH | On Delhi Pollution, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai says, "...Central government figures show that less stubble has been burnt in Punjab this year in comparison to last year. Punjab's stubble smoke does not have as much impact on Delhi as that of Haryana and Uttar… pic.twitter.com/NLEZk0YIhb

— ANI (@ANI) November 5, 2023

The minister added, "Only if the wind blows, the smoke of Punjab will reach Delhi. Right now there is smoke all around Delhi. The smoke of stubble from Haryana and Uttar Pradesh is reaching Delhi." The remarks came as Delhi's overall air quality index (AQI) on Sunday remained in the 'severe' category for a fourth straight day.

ALSO READ: 'Thank You For Your Support': Israeli Foreign Minister Expresses Gratitude For India's Support Of Israel's War Against Hamas

However, a marginal improvement in the city's overall air quality was witnessed today as compared to that on Saturday. On Sunday, Delhi recorded an AQI of 410 against 504 on Saturday, as per the System of Air Quality Forecasting and Research (SAFAR-India).

(Stubble being burnt at a paddy field in a village near Punjab's Patiala on Monday. Pic credits: ANI)

On Sunday, Noida's air quality also plunged to the 'severe' category with an AQI of 466, according to data published by SAFAR-India. Gurugram recorded an AQI of 392, with the city's overall air quality being in the 'very poor' category.

ALSO READ: Delhi Schools Closed Till November 10 For Students Upto Std 5; Grade 6-12 Can Opt For Online Classes As Pollution Rises

Earlier, on Saturday, Rai wrote a letter to Union Minister Bhupender Yadav, requesting him to ban the entry of vehicles non-compliant with BS-VI norms into Delhi from neighbouring states. In his letter, Rai also called for an emergency meeting of environment ministers of Delhi's neighbouring states.

(With inputs from ANI)