EDMC declares war on pollution; sprinkles water on road to combat dust

With an aim to curb the rising level of pollution in the national capital, the East Delhi Municipal Corporation (EDMC) on Saturday began sprinkling water on roads. Water-sprinkling machines were spotted in and around the Laxmi Nagar area, which also happens to be a popular shopping area of Delhi. 

Air quality on Saturday morning dropped to 242, which falls in the 'poor' category. In a move to reduce ever-increasing pollution levels in the region, the Delhi government headed by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has decided to re-implement the 'Odd-Even' scheme to be put into effect from November 4 to November 15.

It also stated that smoke resulting from burning crop residues has poisoned Delhi's air with alarmingly high levels of pollution.

READ | Union Minister Prakash Javadekar talks about Air Quality Index (AQI)

SAFAR'S ADVISORY 

To combat the pollution levels, the SAFAR had released an advisory for vulnerable groups. People have been advised to take more breaks and indulge less in intense activities. Moreover, the organisation has asked asthma patients to keep their medicines ready in case of breathlessness. In its advisory, SAFAR noted, "Heart patients, see the doctor if you get palpitations, shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue.” Stringent measures to combat air pollution would be introduced from October 15 in Delhi and adjoining areas such as Gurugram, Noida, Ghaziabad, and Faridabad. This is part of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which was initially implemented in the Delhi-NCR region in 2017.  

READ | Delhi registers "poor" air quality for fourth consecutive day

Odd-Even Scheme

On October 17, Kejriwal announced the details of the Odd-Even scheme applicable in Delhi from November 4 to November 15. Under the scheme, odd-numbered vehicles will be allowed on odd dates and even-numbered vehicles will be allowed on even dates, except for a few exemptions. Any violation of the traffic rule would incur a fine of Rs 4,000.

According to the detailed report on the Odd-Even scheme, the rule will be applicable to vehicles coming from other states. It also stated that the scheme will only be implemented on non-transport four-wheeled vehicles, while two-wheelers will be exempted.

READ | Air quality 'very poor' at many places in Delhi-NCR

READ | Odd-Even Scheme: Delhi CM announces details and list of exemptions

(With inputs from ANI)