New Delhi – Pollution levels in the national capital have been rising sharply, prompting the Delhi government to implement a series of new measures to tackle the crisis. These include increasing metro trips, deploying additional sanitation workers, spraying water to control dust, and enhancing traffic personnel. Furthermore, the political atmosphere surrounding the pollution issue has intensified.

Key Actions Taken by the Delhi Government:

Increased Metro Frequency: To reduce the use of private vehicles, the frequency of metro services has been increased. An additional 40 metro trips will be added daily.
Dust Suppression: The government has ordered water spraying, especially in pollution hotspots, to control dust. Dust suppressants are being mixed with water for more effective results.
Additional Workers for Cleanliness: The MCD has deployed 6200 sanitation workers to keep streets clean and control dust. Measures have been taken to reduce dust pollution at construction sites.
Enhanced Traffic Management: 1800 additional traffic police officers have been deployed at congested areas to ensure smooth traffic flow and reduce vehicular emissions.

Measures Against Diesel Buses:

Delhi’s Environment Minister, Gopal Rai, has written to the transport ministers of BJP-governed Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan, requesting them to ensure that no diesel buses from their states enter Delhi as part of the second phase of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to curb pollution.

Rising Pollution Levels:

Pollution levels in Delhi and surrounding areas continue to worsen. On Tuesday, the Air Quality Index (AQI) exceeded 300 in multiple parts of the city, indicating hazardous pollution levels.

Jahangirpuri: 386 AQI
Rohini: 368 AQI
Sonia Vihar: 361 AQI
Bawana: 369 AQI

In the National Capital Region (NCR):

Ghaziabad: AQI 284
Noida: AQI 261
Gurugram: AQI 223
Faridabad: AQI 165

NDMC Doubles Parking Fees:

In response to the rising pollution levels, the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has doubled parking fees in the city. The fee for two-wheelers has been increased from ₹10 per hour to ₹20 per hour, and for four-wheelers from ₹20 per hour to ₹40 per hour. This measure is aimed at discouraging the use of personal vehicles and promoting public transportation.

Public Transport Measures:

More Buses and Metro Services: In addition to increasing metro trips, Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses will operate with a reduced waiting time, ensuring buses arrive every 15 minutes.
Cleaner Public Transit: The government is focusing on increasing the frequency of CNG and electric buses to offer a cleaner mode of transport.

LG’s Directives on the Yamuna:

Delhi Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena has also addressed the issue of pollution in the Yamuna River, sharing pictures of toxic foam in the river. He has instructed officials to take responsibility and find ways to provide relief to Delhi’s citizens.