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Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa on Tuesday claimed that the national capital recorded its best Air Quality Index (AQI) for November 4 in the past seven years, registering a level of 291 this year, significantly lower than 381 in 2024, 415 in 2023, and 447 in 2022. Despite geographical challenges, ‘parali‘ burning in neighbouring states, construction activities, increased vehicle registrations, and the ‘Green Diwali’ celebrations, Delhi has seen better air quality compared to previous years through consistent and scientific interventions, Sirsa said, as stated in the press release. Sirsa said the progress reflects the impact of the city’s year-round pollution control strategy implemented by the government led by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. “The year-on-year comparison data reflect that our sustained and coordinated pollution control strategy is effective. The government under Chief Minister Rekha Gupta is working tirelessly to ensure that every citizen breathes cleaner air. We are working to gain momentum and intensify pollution efforts through year-round planning, teamwork, and commitment,” he said. “We are aware that the winter period is a crucial phase for Delhi due to weather and external factors. Yet, our teams on the ground are showing exceptional dedication. The results clearly show that when monitoring, enforcement, and dust control go hand in hand, Delhi can and will perform better,” he added. To maintain this progress through the winter months, when air quality typically worsens, government agencies have been directed to intensify dust mitigation measures. These include expanded misting and sprinkling, mechanical road cleaning, and strict monitoring of waste burning and construction dust. More than 1,200 enforcement teams are currently active across the city, including dedicated teams for vehicular pollution checks, dust control, and prevention of open waste burning. The government has also deployed 390 anti-smog guns, 280 water sprinklers, and 76 mechanical road sweepers citywide. He further emphasised that the Delhi government’s Winter Action Plan is not limited to enforcement but focuses on long-term behavioural change and cleaner infrastructure.”Our aim is to make this improvement permanent to ensure that Delhi’s air remains progressively better each year,” he added. According to the release, over the past 24 hours, enforcement teams have conducted extensive civic action throughout the city. A total of 258 construction and demolition sites with a plot area of less than 500 square metres were physically inspected, while 2,300 kilometres of roads were mechanically swept to reduce dust pollution. Authorities also conducted 219 inspections at illegal dumping sites and issued 7,580 challans for vehicular pollution violations. Additionally, 91 non-destined trucks were diverted through the Eastern and Western Peripheral Expressways to prevent unnecessary vehicular inflow into Delhi. The government addressed and resolved 341 complaints received through mobile applications and social media platforms. Furthermore, 105 inter-state buses were checked and stopped at the Delhi border as part of ongoing efforts to control pollution and ensure compliance. (With inputs from agencies)
