In Delhi, 114 water tankers attempt to settle dust, reduce air pollution
New Delhi : The Delhi government has deployed around 114 water tankers to spray water and settle dust particles in air to the ground.
Delhi environment minister Gopal Rai flagged off the tankers on Saturday and said that the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, led by Arvind Kejriwal, has taken the step to control the increased levels of air pollution in the national capital following the festival of Diwali.
While dispatching water tankers at the Delhi Secretariat, he said that people did not respect cracker ban in the national capital and bursting of crackers contributed to worsening of air quality. However, he noted that the crackers were not the only reason behind poor air quality. As a matter of fact, as many as 3,500 incidents of stubble burning were reported in the neighbouring states on Friday, while around 4,000 were reported on Saturday, he added.
“Last month, chief minister Arvind Kejriwal had launched an action plan that is being implemented across the city,” Livemint quoted Delhi environment minister Gopal Rai as saying. “Along with the people of Delhi, we are running the campaign to check the local source of air pollution in the city – be it dust, vehicle or biomass.”
Smog guns have also been deployed in many parts of Delhi. Meanwhile, 92 construction sites have been sealed till further notice to reduce dust in air.
He expressed hope that the situation of air pollution will improve in the national capital in coming two-three days. With Delhi’s air quality plummeting to hazardous levels after Diwali, doctors in the city have reported a 20 per cent increase in the number of patients complaining of respiratory trouble such as shortness of breath, wheezing, and incessant coughing.
