Crisis: All measures of pollution in Delhi-NCR fail

Crisis: All measures of pollution in Delhi-NCR fail

The pollution situation in Delhi-NCR has been continuously serious for the last five years. Measures to prevent this have also failed. Since 2015, pollution levels in Delhi have been in the category of severe or very severe on average before and after Diwali.The state government claimed the lowest pollution in five years on Diwali, this time in Delhi, although this is true according to the average pollution level per hour or daily. According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board, the air quality index around Diwali in Delhi was around 360 to 400 in 2015, compared to 368 on October 28. The AQI then steadily rose to 500–600.

According to the CPCB, the pollution levels in Delhi on Diwali this year were 17.3%, 8.6% and 5.6 percent lower as compared to 2016, 2017 and 2018 respectively, but the pollution levels have increased year after year just after Deepawali. . In many areas, it crossed the highest scale of 999.

Compliance with laws challenge

 Anumita Raychowdhury, associated with CSIR CSE, said that while laws and plans have been made all over, their compliance is a big challenge.

Contradictions regarding the rights of institutions 

Many large organizations work on pollution, but there is confusion about their functioning and jurisdiction.

Pay cut warning

Following all-round criticism, the Delhi government had warned officials of PWD and other agencies to cut their October salaries for not removing garbage and construction material.

NGT reprimands

The NGT had asked the Delhi Pollution Control Committee to deposit a fine of Rs 25 crore with the CPCB for failure to stop pollution. He was fined for curbing illegal industrial activities.