New Delhi: Gopal Rai, the Environment Minister of Delhi, has announced a high-level meeting scheduled for 1 pm today at the Delhi Secretariat. The agenda will focus on discussions aimed at bolstering the implementation and enforcement of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) rules to address the ongoing pollution crisis in the city.

Rai stated, "The meeting, involving all concerned departments at the Delhi Secretariat, aims to strategize on how to effectively reinforce the existing GRAP regulations to tackle pollution. We will explore additional measures to ensure a more stringent implementation of GRAP 4 on the ground."

This initiative comes amidst Delhi grappling with a severe air quality crisis. On Thursday morning, the national capital remained engulfed in a dense smog, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) registering in the 'severe' category across several areas.

According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), as of 7 am on Thursday, the AQI in various areas was recorded at alarming levels: Bawana at 442, RK Puram at 418, Jahangirpuri at 441, Dwarka at 416, Alipur at 415, Anand Vihar and ITO both at 412, and near Delhi airport at 401.

Reports reveal that nine out of 11 state capitals analyzed in India witnessed escalated pollution levels within the initial 12 hours post-Diwali celebrations this year compared to the previous year. The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) tracker analyzed PM 2.5 data for 11 capital cities, highlighting the concerning rise in pollution.

Additionally, Delhi's Lieutenant Governor (LG) VK Saxena urged the state government to take decisive action to combat pollution. "The ultimate solution to Delhi's pollution lies within the city itself. We can mitigate the choking smog by addressing issues like dust from unrepaired roads, unpaved pavements, and construction sites. We should also adopt effective measures to curb vehicular emissions. Blaming others cannot excuse our inaction over the years. Since the severe smog in 2016, this issue has persisted, with little more than empty words. Concrete steps need to be taken, not just gestures. Delhi needs actionable plans to achieve sustainable goals within a defined timeframe," the LG expressed on X.

Pollution is becoming an enemy of life, even breathing is becoming difficult, to avoid this, take care of your health

How to Avoid Polluted Air: Tips and Guidelines for Clean Breathing