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Delhi's Air Quality Improves Amid CM's Pollution Review Meeting

Delhi's air quality showed a welcome improvement on Thursday morning. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta held a meeting to review the ongoing control measures. Meanwhile, the Union Environment Minister outlined steps for a longer-term plan. The focus is now on a coordinated effort for the coming year.

Key Points: Delhi CM Rekha Gupta Reviews Pollution Control Measures

  • Delhi's overall AQI improved to 299, down from 342 the previous day
  • Union Minister Bhupender Yadav asked Delhi for a detailed annual pollution plan
  • The Centre identified 61 traffic hotspots in Delhi as key pollution sources
  • Stubble burning has reportedly declined by 90% since 2018 due to government measures
2 min read

Delhi CM Rekha Gupta chairs meeting to review pollution control measures

Delhi's AQI improves to 299 as CM Rekha Gupta chairs a review meeting. Union Minister Bhupender Yadav outlines a plan for the coming year.

"We have asked the Delhi government to prepare a plan for the next year on this issue. - Bhupender Yadav, Union Minister"

New Delhi, December 4

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta chaired a meeting at the Delhi Secretariat to review the pollution control measures in the national capital on Wednesday.

However, Delhi's air quality improved significantly on Thursday morning, with the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) standing at 299 at 8 am, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

For comparison, the city recorded an AQI of 342 at 4 pm on December 3, placing it in the 'very poor' category. According to CPCB, the air quality in some parts of the National Capital improved and was classified in the 'poor category'. Najafgarh recorded an AQI of 286, while IGI Airport T3 reported 255. Sri Aurobindo Marg and North Campus registered AQI of 283 and 281, respectively.

Meanwhile, Union Minister for Environment, Forests and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav said the Centre has asked the Delhi government to formulate a detailed plan for next year to tackle air pollution.

Speaking to reporters, Yadav said, "We have asked the Delhi government to prepare a plan for the next year on this issue. The biggest reason for dust is potholes. Talks have been held to increase the greenery space in Delhi. We have identified 61 traffic hotspots in Delhi."

He added, "CAQM is making an expert committee on vehicle pollution. In December, we will hold meetings with Ghaziabad, Noida, Faridabad, and Gurgaon. Regarding stubble, we will organise a meeting with Haryana and Punjab in Chandigarh."

Highlighting the government's efforts, the Union Minister said the Ministry of Urban Development was working on solid waste management. He said that stubble burning had declined by 90 per cent compared to 2018 after the government provided CRM machines.

Yadav said, "We will work on the grassroot level on the next one-year plan. We will start a movement with the local body and the youths will be involved. PM's Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam and Mission Life are initiatives to create a citizen-friendly environment."

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Sarah B
Living near IGI Airport, I can actually feel the difference today. The air doesn't burn the throat as much. Kudos to any measures that are working. The plan to involve youth and local bodies in 'Mission Life' sounds promising. We need community-level ownership of this problem. 🌱
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Arjun K
While any improvement is welcome, let's be real. AQI 299 is still hazardous for children and the elderly. The meeting between the Centre and Delhi govt is necessary, but the constant blame game needs to stop. We need a concrete, year-round plan, not just emergency measures every November-December.
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Priyanka N
The 90% decline in stubble burning is a massive achievement if the data is correct. Providing CRM machines to farmers was a smart move. Now, the same coordinated approach is needed for Delhi-NCR's local pollution sources. The meeting with Haryana and Punjab in Chandigarh is crucial.
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Vikram M
"Formulate a detailed plan for next year" – we hear this every year. What happened to the plans from previous years? Action matters more than plans. Start by ensuring all public construction sites follow dust control norms 100%. That alone would make a visible difference.
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Michael C
The data from different areas is interesting. Shows it's a hyper-local problem in many ways. Greening Delhi is a long-term solution we must invest in. 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' is a beautiful sentiment. Hope the saplings are cared for and survive to actually clean the air.

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