Delhi ministers hold meeting with experts over pollution issue, bans entry of app-based cab from other states

Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai and PWD Minister Atishi said that the Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP government is taking every important step to provide relief to the people of Delhi from pollution.

Taking to X, the Aam Aadmi Party wrote, "Environment Minister Gopal Rai and PWD Minister Atishi held a meeting with experts from IIT Kanpur and CII regarding artificial rain to reduce pollution in Delhi."

Earlier in the day, Gopal Rai said in a press conference that they have issued an order to DPCC to run the smog tower at full capacity by Thursday as Delhi continued reeling under choked air pollution for the last several days.

The Delhi government has also prohibited app-based cabs from other states under Tuesday's Supreme Court suggestion meant to curb the annual, spiralling pollution. Rai said his department has been asked to implement the suggestion of the court.

Hitting out at BJP-led ruled state governments, Rai alleged that BJP-ruled governments were inactive on pollution issues.

“It seems that pollution is not a serious issue for BJP-governed states. They only make statements on pollution but don’t do anything on the ground,” alleged Rai.

The Delhi government today announced that the winter break in schools has been postponed and will be observed from November 9 to 18, as air pollution remains in the 'severe' category for the last several days.

Delhi's overall air quality index was recorded at 418 on Wednesday morning.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the AQI in Anand Vihar was recorded at 452, in RK Puram at 433, in Punjabi Bagh at 460 and in ITO at 413, Narela (448), Bawana (462), Anand Vihar (452), and Rohini (451).

The situation isn't any better in Noida, Gurugram and other surrounding cities. Noida average AQI was 409, Gurugram 370, Faridabad (396), and Ghaziabad (382).

[With UNI inputs]