Delhi Takes Bold Steps to Combat Rising Pollution Levels

Delhi's Environment Minister Gopal Rai announced key measures to combat pollution, including more metro trips and increased staffing for dust control and traffic management. The Graded Response Action Plan Stage II has been enacted due to rising pollution levels, imposing restrictions on coal and firewood usage.

In response to escalating pollution levels, Delhi's Environment Minister Gopal Rai announced a series of robust anti-pollution measures on Tuesday. These include an increase in metro trips, the deployment of over 6,000 MCD workers for road dust control, and the addition of 1,800 traffic personnel at congestion points.

Rai's announcements came shortly after the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)-II was enforced in the capital due to deteriorating air quality. The minister plans to reach out to neighboring states like Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, requesting them to limit the sending of diesel buses into Delhi.

The Delhi Metro will amplify its operations with an additional 40 train trips starting Wednesday, alongside increased frequency of Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses to encourage public transport usage. The measures coincide with GRAP Stage II, which imposes restrictions on coal and firewood use and prohibits diesel generator sets starting Tuesday morning.

(With inputs from agencies.)