In the wake of the deteriorating air quality in Delhi, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal today sought greater cooperation from the Centre and the governments in neighbouring states to deal with the problem of crop burning (Catch the live updates on Delhi pollution scenario here).
“Until state governments don’t find economically viable solutions to crop burning, it will not stop,” the Delhi Chief Minister said and asked “Central government, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana governments to come together and put aside politics” so that a solution can be found.
Union Environment Minister Harsh Vardhan, however, said that he is already in touch with the states in the NCR region and has asked them to implement graded action plan.
“There should be no reason to panic, take precautions, try to stay indoors and don’t expose children to polluted air,” Harsh Vardhan said who was reportedly on a visit to Germany during the last few days.
Arvind Kejriwal had reportedly sought time from the Union Environment Minister to discuss emergency measures to fight Delhi smog but was told by the minister’s office that he is not available and could meet the Delhi Chief Minister only on the 9th of this month.
ODD-EVEN SCHEME MAY RETURN
Arvind Kejriwal today inaugurated 20 continuous ambient air quality monitoring stations from the Delhi Secretariat. These stations will provide real-time in-depth data on air quality.
Speaking on the occasion, Kejriwal said that the decision on odd-even car scheme is likely to be taken in a day or two if need arises.
The Delhi Chief Minister’s statement on bringing odd-scheme back is in line with the Delhi High Court today asking the state government to consider bringing the odd-even scheme back to restrict vehicular movement, bring down traffic congestion and unclog the Capital.
Reiterating his “gas chamber” remark, Arvind Kejriwal today said that the whole of northern India, and not just Delhi, turns into a gas chamber from mid-October to mid-November every year.
“The alarming increase in particulate matter (PM) levels in Delhi is not just due to local reasons, people and government of Delhi are ready to take all steps but these steps will not be enough until a solution to crop burning is found,” Kejriwal said and sought cooperation from the Centre and neighbouring states.
