Delhi govt should focus on tackling pollution: RSS's Indresh Kumar

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader Indresh Kumar on Monday said that "the Delhi government should focus on tackling air pollution across the national capital, instead of blaming others for politicising it." He further said, "Delhi CM should not shy away from his responsibilities." Speaking about the factors that are responsible for increasing pollution levels, Kumar said, "One of the crucial contributors to pollution is air conditioners. The second culprit is vehicular pollution, while the third is population explosion."

Delhi's air quality worsens

According to System of Air Quality Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR), the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of the city at 11.30 am stood at over 500 which falls in the 'severe' category. An AQI between 0-50 is considered 'good', 51-100 'satisfactory', 101-200 'moderate', 201-300 'poor', 301-400 'very poor' and 401-500 'severe'. Above 500 falls in the 'severe-plus emergency' category.

Read: IND vs BAN: Fans fill up stands despite pollution crisis in Delhi

Schools shut in Delhi

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday announced that all schools in the national capital will remain closed till November 5, after a Supreme Court-mandated panel declared a public health emergency in Delhi-NCR. Along with it, the Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority has banned construction activity till November 5.

Read: Delhi Congress leaders detained during protest at CM's residence

Odd-Even scheme kicks in

The Odd-Even scheme of the Delhi government as a measure to curb air pollution began at 8 am on Monday. The government on Sunday decided to exempt electric vehicles from the scheme. Under this measure, only non-transport four-wheeled vehicles which have registration numbers ending with an even digit (4, 6, 8, 12 and 14) will ply on the roads. Similarly, vehicles with registration numbers ending with an even digit (0, 2, 4, 6, 8) will not be allowed on the roads on November 5, 7, 9, 11, 13 and 15. According to reports, the fine for violating the scheme is Rs 4,000. The scheme will conclude on November 15. 

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