Nitin Gadkari Proposes CNG-Powered Transport to Combat Delhi Pollution
Delhi’s smog Crisis: Transport Minister proposes CNG Solution as air Quality Remains ‘Poor’
New Delhi: As a thick blanket of smog enveloped the capital, pushing air quality levels into the ‘poor’ category, Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari has proposed a potential solution: a complete shift to CNG-powered transportation.
This comes as Delhi woke up to reduced visibility and a hazy skyline, with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reporting an overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of 274 as of 8 am.
Visuals from iconic locations like Akshardham Temple, ITO, Anand Vihar, and the Delhi-Noida Direct Flyway paint a stark picture, showcasing the extent of the smog engulfing the city.[[
[Image: Insert a compelling image of Delhi shrouded in smog]
AQI Readings Across Delhi:
Anand Vihar: 294
ITO: 235
IGI Airport (T3): 256
Chandani Chowk and Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium: 250
Okhla Phase-2: 277
Punjabi Bagh and Wazirpur: 298
An AQI between 0-50 is considered “good,” while 201-300 falls into the “poor” category.
Supreme Court Holds Firm on GRAP-IV Measures
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court on monday rejected pleas to relax the stringent Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)-IV measures implemented to combat Delhi’s air pollution. The court emphasized the need for a sustained downward trend in AQI levels before considering any relaxations.
The bench, comprising Justices Abhay S Oka and AG Masih, also expressed concern over the lack of compliance from NCR states – Delhi, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh – regarding compensation payments to construction workers affected by the GRAP-IV restrictions.
Call for Coordinated Action
The Supreme Court directed the Commission for Air Quality management (CAQM) to ensure effective interaction and coordination among various authorities, including the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), Delhi Police, and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), to implement mitigating measures effectively.
The court also stressed the importance of protecting court commissioners who are tasked with monitoring the situation on the ground.
As Delhi grapples with its persistent air quality crisis, the focus remains on finding sustainable solutions and ensuring coordinated action from all stakeholders.
Delhi’s Smog Crisis: Can CNG Be the Solution?
New Delhi: As a thick blanket of smog hangs heavy over the capital, pushing air quality levels into the “poor” category, Transport minister Nitin Gadkari has proposed a potential solution: a complete shift to CNG-powered transportation.This comes as Delhi woke up to reduced visibility and a hazy skyline, with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reporting an overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of 274 as of 8 am.
Iconic locations like Akshardham Temple, ITO, Anand Vihar, and the Delhi-noida Direct Flyway are shrouded in the smog, showcasing the severity of the situation.
AQI readings Across Delhi:
Anand Vihar: 294
ITO: 235
IGI Airport (T3): 256
Chandani Chowk and Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium: 250
Okhla Phase-2: 277
Punjabi Bagh and Wazirpur: 298
An AQI between 0-50 is considered “good,” while 201-300 falls into the “poor” category.
Supreme Court upholds GRAP-IV Measures
The Supreme Court on Monday rejected pleas to relax the stringent Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)-IV measures implemented to combat Delhi’s air pollution. The court underscored the need for a sustained downward trend in AQI levels before considering any relaxations.
The bench,comprising Justices Abhay S Oka and AG Masih,also expressed concern over the lack of compliance from NCR states – Delhi,Rajasthan,Haryana,and Uttar Pradesh – regarding compensation payments to construction workers affected by the GRAP-IV restrictions.
Call for Unified Action
The Supreme court directed the Commission for air Quality Management (CAQM) to ensure effective interaction and coordination among various authorities, including the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), delhi Police, and the Delhi Pollution Control Commitee (DPCC), to implement mitigating measures effectively.
The court emphasized the importance of protecting court commissioners tasked with monitoring the situation.
As Delhi continues to grapple with its persistent air quality crisis, the focus remains on finding lasting solutions and ensuring coordinated action from all stakeholders.