India's capital blanketed in smog; private construction banned
Sign up now: Get insights on Asia's fast-moving developments
The air quality index in several parts of the city was between 350 and 400 on Monday, meaning it was “very poor”.
PHOTO: REUTERS
Follow topic:
NEW DELHI - India’s capital, New Delhi, was engulfed in thick smog early on Monday as cooler weather exacerbated pollution and the government banned private construction in and around the city to try to limit dust and emissions.
The air quality index in several parts of the city was between 350 and 400 on Monday, meaning it was “very poor”, according to the Central Pollution Control Board.
Residents of New Delhi and its suburbs endure poor air every winter as colder, heavier air traps construction dust, vehicle emissions and smoke from the burning of crop stubble in the nearby states of Punjab and Haryana.
However, paddy crop residue burning has reduced by 31 per cent in the period from Sept 15 till Nov 30 this year, the government said in a statement on Monday.
The total number of farm fires in Punjab, Haryana and Delhi’s suburbs fell to 53,792, owing to improved machinery and bio-decomposers to destroy crop residue, according to government data.
“Significant reduction in paddy crop residue burning events in the current year is reflective of vigorous and consistent efforts made by Central Government and State Governments and other stakeholders,” the government said.
Environmentalists have often said that tackling farm fires alone will not clean Delhi’s filthy air.
The central government banned all private construction in the city and surrounding areas and enforced restrictions on diesel vehicles plying in the city. Authorities also sprayed water in some neighbourhoods to try to clear the air.
The government said that average daily air quality index has improved to 320.6 points in November, from 376.50 in November, 2021.
The government said last week it would ban diesel autorickshaws in the capital.
From 2027, it would allow only those three-wheeled taxis that are powered by compressed natural gas or electricity to operate. REUTERS
