Rajeev Choudhury

Delhi’s air quality improved substantially on November 30, 2021, compared to the air quality on the previous three days, data released by the Central Pollution Control Board show.

The average air quality index was 329 compared to 405 recorded 24 hours ago.

The improvement is attributed to the increase in wind speed on November 29, 2021.

Low temperature and wind speed have been the main factor behind the rising air pollution in the city in recent days, experts say.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court on Monday has asked the states of Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh to file reports on what steps have been taken by them to comply with the direction of the Commission for Air Quality Management in this regard.

The Supreme Court has also asked the Central Government to file a report if the Central Vista Project is adding to dust pollution in Delhi.

The Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai said on November 29, 2021, that the ban on construction and demolition activities in Delhi will continue to be in force till further orders in view of the high level of air pollution in the city. The ban on entry of non-CNG commercial vehicles has been extended till December 7, 2021, he added.

The state government’s 'Red light on, Gaddi Bandh' campaign is to continue till December 18, 2021, he added.

According to some experts, 60% of Delhi’s pollution is contributed by conditions in the neighbouring states of Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan.
On its part, Delhi has taken a number of steps in the past to contain air pollution in the city, like shifting of industries to the outskirts, closing thermal power plants, implementation of stringent vehicular emission norms; introduction of CNG operated public transportation system etc.