Wed Nov 13 04:24:56 UTC 2024: ## Delhi Government Reports Increased “Good Days” in Air Quality, Highlights Anti-Pollution Efforts
**New Delhi, November 5 (PTI):** The Delhi government has submitted an action taken report to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) detailing its efforts to combat air pollution in the city. The report reveals a positive trend, with “good days” – categorized as days with good, satisfactory, and moderate air quality index (AQI) – increasing from 157 in 2018 to 201 in 2024 (till October 29th).
The report highlights the implementation of a 21-point winter action plan, involving 30 government departments, to mitigate air pollution during the winter months. It acknowledges major sources of pollution including vehicular emissions, dust from construction activities, industrial emissions, crop residue burning, and open burning of leaves and garbage.
The report further outlines specific mitigation measures being undertaken at 13 identified pollution hotspots across Delhi, including garbage removal, road repairs, traffic decongestion, industrial closure, and night patrols to prevent biomass burning.
The Delhi government also emphasizes its efforts to control stubble burning, with a target of spraying bio-decomposers on 5,000 acres of non-basmati paddy fields in 2024-25. So far, 2,432 acres have been sprayed since October 3rd.
The report states that 11 night teams are deployed to monitor paddy stubble burning, farmers are provided subsidized crop residue management machinery, and awareness campaigns are conducted. Although 12 stubble burning incidents have been reported, the government claims to have taken action by filing FIRs.
The report, submitted in response to the NGT’s directive to address deteriorating air quality in the capital, signifies the Delhi government’s commitment to improving air quality in the city. However, continued efforts are crucial to ensure a sustained improvement in air quality and protect public health.
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