Delhi Government Activates 'Green War Room' to Combat Winter Pollution

The Delhi government has launched a 24x7 'Green War Room' to implement its 21-point winter action plan against pollution. Managed by eight environmental experts, the war room will analyze drone data, monitor AQI, and track pollution from 13 hotspots. Residents are urged to report pollution activities via the Green Delhi App.

The Delhi government has activated a 24x7 'Green War Room' to bolster the execution of its 21-point winter action plan aimed at curbing pollution, Environment Minister Gopal Rai announced on Monday.

During a press conference, Rai revealed that a team of eight environmental experts would manage the war room, which has been assigned seven crucial responsibilities. This year, new tasks include analyzing drone mapping and conducting real-time source apportionment studies. 'The war room will also scrutinize satellite data of stubble burning and information from 13 pollution hotspots,' said Rai.

In addition, the war room will monitor Air Quality Index (AQI) data and assess information from 24 pollution monitoring stations managed by the Delhi government. Rai stated that he would again seek approval from the central government to use artificial rain to reduce pollution, as his previous requests had gone unanswered. On September 1, Rai asked the Centre for permission to use artificial rain during winter, when air quality plummets.

Rai also appealed to Delhi residents to join the fight against pollution by using the Green Delhi App and uploading photos of activities contributing to pollution. 'I request the people of Delhi to report incidents that could cause pollution through the app,' he added. On September 25, Rai unveiled the city's Winter Action Plan, featuring 21 focus points including drone monitoring, an intensified anti-dust campaign, task forces, road-sweeping machines, and 200 mobile anti-smog guns under the theme 'Mil Kar Chale, Pradushan Se Lade.'