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Delhi CM Rekha Gupta Calls Pollution a Challenge, Not a Political Issue

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta stated that pollution is a challenge to improve the city, not a political issue, highlighting government support for startup-led solutions. Meanwhile, Delhi's air quality remains a major concern with an AQI of 368, placing it in the 'very poor' category. The CAQM's GRAP Sub-Committee has decided to invoke all Stage-III 'Severe' category actions across the NCR immediately due to forecasts of further deterioration. This proactive measure adds to the existing Stage I and II actions already in force.

Key Points: Delhi Pollution: CM Rekha Gupta on Challenge, GRAP Stage-III Invoked

  • CM calls pollution a governance challenge
  • Govt supporting startups for clean solutions
  • Delhi AQI at 368, 'very poor'
  • GRAP Stage-III 'Severe' actions invoked across NCR
2 min read

"Pollution not political issue, but challenge to make Delhi better": CM Rekha Gupta

Delhi CM Rekha Gupta says pollution is a challenge, not politics, as AQI hits 368. GRAP Stage-III 'Severe' actions invoked across NCR.

"Pollution is not a political issue for us. It is a challenge to make Delhi better. - Rekha Gupta"

New Delhi, January 17

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said that pollution was not a political issue but a challenge to improve the national capital.

She added that the government was supporting startups and exploring innovative solutions to make Delhi cleaner and healthier.

Speaking to the reporters here, Gupta on Friday said, "Pollution is not a political issue for us. It is a challenge to make Delhi better. The government is already doing whatever solutions we think are possible. Different types of products were presented here. We are giving support to the startups. The government is active. We will adapt all the best ideas for Delhi."

Meanwhile, Delhi's air quality remains a major concern. As per data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the national capital stood at 368 at around 7 am this morning, placing it in the "very poor" category.

In view of deteriorating air quality in Delhi, the Sub-Committee on the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in NCR and Adjoining Areas convened a meeting.

During the meeting, the Sub-Committee reviewed the prevailing air quality in the region, along with forecasts of weather and meteorological conditions, and the Air Quality Index.

According to an official release, the Sub-Committee observed that the AQI in Delhi has shown an increasing trend, and forecasts by IMD and IITM indicate that air quality is likely to deteriorate further and may enter the 'severe' category in the coming days due to unfavourable meteorological conditions and slow, variable wind speeds.

"In view of the prevailing air quality trend, and with a view to preventing further deterioration of air quality in the region, the Sub-Committee has decided to invoke all actions envisaged under Stage-III of the extant Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) - 'Severe' Air Quality (AQI range: 401-450) - with immediate effect across the entire NCR, as a proactive measure," the release said.

This is in addition to the actions under Stages I & II of the extant GRAP already in force in NCR.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
Words are good, but the AQI is 368! My children are coughing every morning. We need immediate, strong measures, not just meetings and plans. Where is the urgency? Ban unnecessary construction, increase public transport frequency NOW.
A
Aman W
It's easy to say it's not political, but the problem needs coordination with neighboring states like Punjab and Haryana for stubble burning. Delhi government alone can't solve this. A joint action plan with the center is crucial.
S
Sarah B
As an expat living here, the air quality is a serious health hazard. Supporting startups is a positive long-term strategy, but what about short-term relief for citizens? More green zones, stricter emission checks on vehicles are needed urgently.
V
Vikram M
I appreciate the intent, but we hear this every winter. The GRAP stages get invoked when we are already choking. We need predictive and preventive action. Also, what about holding large polluting industries accountable? The common man is always targeted with odd-even.
K
Kavya N
True, pollution is a challenge for all of us citizens too. We can't just blame authorities. We need to reduce personal vehicle use, avoid burning waste, and plant more trees in our localities. Jahan saans wahan life 🌿

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