Air quality remains ‘very poor’, hits ‘severe’ in THESE areas; over 61,000 PUCCs issued in 24 hrs
According to the Central Pollution Control Board, the Air Quality Index in Delhi stood at 387 as of 6 am, falling under the “very poor” category. Several other areas were also reeling under “severe” levels, with Anand Vihar’s AQI at 437, ITO at 409 and Jahangirpuri at 400.
Delhi’s air quality remains hazardous; Many areas like Anand Vihar are shrouded in toxic smoke. The Commission on Air Quality Management (CAQM) has implemented stringent measures under GRAP Phase-IV to combat pollution in Delhi-NCR. The government has stepped up its fight against air pollution by launching the ‘No PUC, No Fuel’ campaign, issuing more than 61,000 Pollution Under Control Certificates (PUCC) in 24 hours.
Delhi-NCR pollution levels today
According to the Central Pollution Control Board, the Air Quality Index in Delhi stood at 387 as of 6 am, falling under the “very poor” category. As per records recorded by CPCB, AQI of Anand Vihar was 437, ITO 409, Jahangirpuri 400, Mundka 402, Nehru Nagar 420, Patparganj 408, Punjabi Bagh 412, RK Puram 436 and Wazirpur 404. At 8 a.m. on Friday.
Persistent dense fog also disrupted aviation operations at Delhi airport and airlines issued travel advisories to passengers. Flight operations are carried out under CAT III conditions, causing delays in many flights.
Delhi anti-pollution measures
Meanwhile, the Delhi government launched the ‘No PUC, No Fuel’ campaign to combat air pollution and issued more than 61,000 Pollution Under Control Certificates (PUCC) in 24 hours. Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa stated that the government is acting on four fronts: vehicular pollution, dust from roads and construction, industrial pollution and waste management.
The minister on Thursday also ordered the provision of clear signage, announcements and better queue management. Talking to vehicle owners at the spot, he said, “This is not a matter of issuing a challan; it is an issue of clean air. Every valid PUCC issued today is a small victory in our fight against pollution.” he said. On December 17, 29,938 PUCCs were held in Delhi. By 17:20 on December 18, 31,974 new certificates were issued. Thus, the total number exceeded 61,000 in almost one day. The government expects the number of people taking PUCC before refueling with gasoline or diesel to increase further. “The fact that more than 60,000 people received their PUCC in one day shows that citizens extend their full cooperation when they trust that steps will be taken in the public interest,” the minister said. he said.
