Delhi-NCR's air quality index (AQI) is again heading towards becoming poor as the winter months are approaching. On October 11, 2021 (Monday), majority areas in the national capital recorded poor AQI with over 200 particulate matter (PM). While stubble burning by farmers during this time in surrounding states of Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh is considered to be the main reason of the deterioration in the AQI level, the state government as always is trying to take all measures to avoid reduce vehicular pollution. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has appealed to Delhi citizens to avoid using personal vehicles for at least one day per week for any commute and adopt public transport.
Arvind Kejriwal, Chief Minister - Delhi appeals citizens to avoid using personal vehicle one day per week.
"Delhi's own pollution is in safe limits. Pollution is on the rise over the last 3-4 days due to governments of neighbouring states not helping their farmers. This has forced the farmers to burn the crop stubble. Images released by NASA satellites show that stubble burning has started because of which pollution is on the rise in Delhi. People of Delhi have helped in reducing air pollution by about 25 per cent over the last few years. Last week, the Delhi government had revealed a 10-point winter action plan to reduce air pollution in the city this winter. The government received more than 23,000 complaints regarding air pollution on the Green Delhi app," said Arvind Kejriwal.
BS6 vehicles will help to further reduce the pollution level.
The campaign is starting formally from October 18, 2021, but Kejriwal is appealing to citizens to start doing it from today itself. The idea is to keep pollution levels, or AQI in check as soon as possible. He also appealed to Delhi citizens to switch off vehicle engines while waiting at traffic signals, and to use public transport or carpool at least once a week, instead of using a personal vehicle.
