The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a crucial number that indicates the level of air pollution in a given area, based on various pollutants. In New Delhi, the AQI significantly worsened after the celebration of Diwali, despite a ban on firecrackers. However, factors such as cooler weather and the burning of crop residue in nearby states also contribute to the dip in air quality. The AQI, launched in India in 2014, helps the public and government understand the condition of the air and take necessary measures to combat it.
As Diwali celebrations come to a close, Delhi residents wake up to poor air quality with an AQI of 361 in the "very poor" category. Despite a ban on firecrackers, reports reveal widespread violations in both east and west Delhi. The city saw a significant increase in air and noise pollution compared to last year, largely attributed to unfavorable weather conditions, stubble burning, and vehicular emissions. The Delhi Fire Services received 78 calls regarding fire incidents on Diwali evening, with two people injured in a bus fire caused by firecrackers.
A recent address by Prime Minister Modi criticized the Delhi and West Bengal governments for not participating in the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY). In response, AAP Convenor Arvind Kejriwal defended the Delhi government's health scheme, stating that every resident receives free treatment. He also urged the adoption of the Delhi model nationwide. Meanwhile, in preparation for Thursday's event honoring Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, traffic restrictions have been announced in central Delhi.
In an effort to reduce air pollution and combat the heat wave in Delhi, a meeting was held on Tuesday by over 25 government agencies under the leadership of Delhi's Forest and Environment Minister Gopal Rai. The meeting aimed to execute the 12-point Summer Action Plan formulated by the Delhi government, which includes a tree plantation campaign to increase the green belt in the city. The goal is to plant 2 crore saplings in 5 years, with the government claiming to have already exceeded their target in the fourth year of their tenure.
With the air quality index score in Bangladesh's capital, Dhaka, reaching 156, it has been ranked ninth on the list of cities with the worst air quality worldwide. The situation is further exacerbated by the ongoing heat wave, making air pollution a major concern for the city's residents. This issue is not only limited to Dhaka, as many other cities in South Asia, including India's Delhi and Pakistan's Lahore, are also facing dangerously high levels of air pollution, leading to potential health hazards. This highlights the urgent need for addressing air pollution and its impacts on public health.
.jpg "Prime Minister Modi Arrives at BJP Headquarters, Union Home Minister Shah Offers Prayers in Kurukshetra")
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at the BJP headquarters in Delhi, while Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar offered prayers at Shri Devikoop Bhadrakali Temple in Kurukshetra. Additionally, non-essential construction work has been banned in Delhi-NCR due to Stage-3 curbs under an air pollution control plan. Furthermore, French President Emmanuel Macron is scheduled to visit Delhi on January 26 for India's Republic Day.