As pollution levels in Delhi and NCR peaked to a three-year high, a thick blanket of smog engulfed several parts of the national capital on Monday. At several places, the Air Quality Index (AQI) even reached 999 marks, in the ‘hazardous’ category.
On Monday morning, the overall AQI in Delhi was still in the ‘severe’ category. Several flights were diverted and more delayed due to poor visibility at Delhi airport. Schools in the capital will remain closed till Tuesday, as a public health emergency was declared. The third edition of odd-even scheme road space rationing scheme kicked in from 8 am today, with only even-numbered non-transport vehicles allowed on Delhi roads on the first day.
Meanwhile, the Arvind Kejriwal government continues to take measures to tackle the severe air pollution such as sprinkling water on roads to settle the dust. The Centre also reviewed the situation with the governments of Delhi, Haryana and Punjab and announced that the cabinet secretary would monitor it on a daily basis.
Here Are Some Vital Directions:
Villagers should be informed that gram panchayats, farmers will be held responsible in case of stubble burning: SC
The Supreme Court on Monday said that villagers should be informed that gram panchayats and farmers will be held responsible in case of stubble burning. The top court also said that the state governments should take immediate steps to extinguish the ongoing stubble burning in various regions.
Rs 1 lakh fine for garbage burning, construction activities, says SC
The Supreme Court on Monday said Rs 1 lakh fine would be levied for garbage burning, construction activities. Construction and demolition activities have caused major damages in Noida, Ghaziabad, Faridabad and Gurgaon, according to media reports.
SC asks for a report from Delhi govt whether Odd-Even scheme
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The Supreme Court asked the Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi government to submit a report by Friday whether the Odd-Even scheme has made any difference in pollution level.
Next hearing on air pollution on November 6: Supreme Court
The Supreme Court on Monday said that the next hearing in the air pollution matter will be heard on Wednesday (November 6). The top court also directed chief secretaries of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi to appear before it on Wednesday.
Nitish Kumar calls for an urgent meeting on air pollution
As pollution levels in Delhi-NCR peaked to a three-year high, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Monday called for an urgent meeting on the ongoing matter. In the meeting, he will be accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar Sushil Kumar Modi.
What is the logic behind Odd-Even scheme: Justice Arun Mishra to Delhi govt
What is the logic behind the Odd-Even scheme? Banning diesel vehicles we can understand, but what is the point of the Odd-Even scheme: Justice Arun Mishra to Delhi government
Haryana govt requested Centre for meeting on Delhi pollution: Dy CM
Supreme Court on air pollution: 'Delhi is choking every year and we are not able to do anything.Every year this is happening and this continues for 10-15 days, this is not done in civilized countries. Right to life is most important'.