The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi soared to alarming levels in some areas, crossing 1000, as toxic smog cover enveloping the city threw life off track. The AQI at Jahangirpuri and Alipur were 1036 and 1091, respectively, according to AQI.in.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) pegged the AQI of the national capital at 488 in the 'severe plus' category on Tuesday morning. At least five stations in the capital reported an AQI of 500 while Swiss group IQAir ranked New Delhi as the world's most polluted city with air quality at a "hazardous" 489.
#WATCH | A layer of smog continues to shroud Delhi as air quality in the city remains in 'Severe' category, as per Central Pollution Control Board.
— ANI (@ANI) November 19, 2024
Visuals from The Old Yamuna Bridge, earlier this morning. pic.twitter.com/GmsMvVvODm
#WATCH | Delhi: Vice chairman of NDMC, Kuljeet Singh Chahal says "We are conducting mechanised sweeping to reduce dust from the roads which will help in reducing pollution. We are also using anti-smog machines and sprinklers. The people of NDMC are also visiting construction… https://t.co/KP2mfkpbkJ pic.twitter.com/30FFgyWEhg
— ANI (@ANI) November 19, 2024
PM Modi should intervene
The ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene. Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Tuesday also accused the Centre of not acting on the state's requests to allow artificial rain. Rai added that he will write again to Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav in this regard.
Calling it a moral responsibility of the Prime Minister, Rai said: "If the central government cannot act, then their (environment) minister should resign."
"The Delhi government is prepared to work alongside the central government, but the Centre must take the lead by convening a meeting involving experts from IIT Kanpur who have conducted extensive research on artificial rain. This requires permission and collaboration from various central departments," he said.
Rai said the GRAP should be implemented across north India and accused BJP-led states of violating the rules. "GRAP-IV will remain in force if pollution persists, we will not give any relaxation, the minister said.
Trains, flights delayed
Eight flights were diverted while 22 trains were reported delayed. Railways added in a statement that at least nine trains have been rescheduled as a result of smog. Videos from New Delhi Railway Station also show a layer of haze covering the area.
Visuals from various parts of the city, including Bhikaji Cama Palace, also showed a thick layer of smog, hindering visibility.
SC allows virtual hearing
Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna on Tuesday said all judges have been asked to allow virtual hearings wherever possible. His order came as Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) president Kapil Sibal sought immediate measures to deal with the worsening pollution.
"We have told all the judges to allow virtual hearings wherever possible, the CJI said, though he did not allow the submissions that the top court should go online. He said lawyers have the option to appear online.
"The way we are functioning today, if anybody wants to be online, they can go online," the CJI said.
