The number of pollution hotspots in the national capital has risen to 21 with the Delhi government identifying eight more in addition to the existing 13.
Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai said on Monday that special teams will be deployed there to check pollution sources in these hotspots and take corrective measures with the help of Delhi Pollution Control Committee.
"In addition to the 13 existing air pollution hotspots in Delhi, we are focusing on eight places where the AQI has exceeded the 300-mark. These locations include Shadipur, ITO, Mandir Marg, Nehru Nagar, Patparganj, Sonia Vihar, Dhyan Chand Stadium, and Moti Bagh," Rai told a press conference.
The existing hotspots in Delhi are Anand Vihar, Mundka, Wazirpur, Jahangirpuri, RK Puram, Rohini, Punjabi Bagh, Okhla, Bawana, Vivek Vihar, Narela, Ashok Vihar and Dwarka.
The move comes after Delhi's air quality breached the "very poor" category on Sunday for the first time since May with an overall AQI of 302. On Monday, an overall AQI of 309 was recorded in the city, as per SAFAR-India.
The minister held a meeting with 28 departments to make sure that measures to curb pollution in the capital are effectively implemented. "Directions have also been issued to use dust suppressant powder in anti-smog guns to prevent dust pollution. The anti-dust campaign will be strengthened, and more field visits will be conducted," Rai added.
A drop in temperature and wind speed allowed pollutants to accumulate in the city, resulting is deterioration of air quality. Burning of paddy straws in upwind states like Punjab and Haryana has also worsened the situation.
The government said it has raised the parking fee in public spaces to discourage the use of private vehicles and increased the frequency of public transport, including CNG and electric buses as well as metro trains.
-- with agency inputs