Delhi's air quality dips close to 'severe plus' category, odd-even rule likely

New Delhi: As the national capital yet again woke up to a layer of thick haze, with the AQI in the 'severe plus’ category on Friday morning, implementation of the odd-even car rationing measure in the city might take place. In a bid to combat the increasing air pollution, Environment Minister Gopal Rai announced on Thursday the formation of a Special Task Force.

Delhi's air quality has deteriorated further and now stands closer to the "severe plus" category, a stage that might trigger the implementation of the odd-even car rationing measure in the capital. The city's air quality index stood at 437 at 7 am, worsening from 419 at 4 pm on Thursday.

“This situation is persisting in all of north India. Besides Delhi, Haryana is showing severe category air quality in 12 districts. There are 14 such locations in Rajasthan. There are several districts in western Uttar Pradesh where there is a similar situation. In Delhi, we formed a special team yesterday for the strict implementation of GRAP regulations. I think this is a problem for the entire north of India. It can't be resolved if only Delhi becomes active. I think it is time for the central government to intervene. I also request the Union Environment Minister to conduct a meeting of Environment Ministers," said Gopal Rai.

Rai held a review meeting with the environment department and Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) officials at the Delhi Secretariat.

Delhi LG lashes out at government

Delhi LG VK Saxena lashed out at the government and said that blaming other states for Delhi pollution is not a solution, and the real solution lies in Delhi itself.

“Delhi needs action, not mere posturing,” the LG posted on X, (formerly known as Twitter), adding that politics can wait.

“Publicity around props like smog towers mean little & politics of propaganda that involve over hyped events like "Red Light On, Gaadi Off" and "Odd- Even" cannot hold the life of people of Delhi to ransom,” wrote LG.

"We can do little to stop crop residue smoke from other States, apart from pleading with them. Despite States, especially Punjab playing truant, we are, but petitioners for mercy. AQI yet hovers around 400, making the Capital gasp," the LG wrote.

(with agency inputs)