The Air Quality Index indicated that pollution levels in Delhi were "severe" at many places on Thursday and prompted the government to issue an alert, reported PTI. The pollution level is categorised as severe if the AQI ranges between 401 and 500.
The System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research data showed that the overall AQI crossed 300. However, the worst air quality levels were at Anand Vihar, Mandir Marg and RK Puram, where it touched the maximum limit of 500 three days before Diwali, reported Hindustan Times.
Simultaneously, the Delhi government started the process of installing Radio Frequency Identification Devices and Weigh-in-Motion machines for regulation of commercial vehicles to curb air pollution. These machines will be installed at 13 entry points to the Capital. The step comes six days after the Supreme Court had asked the authorities concerned to come up with a concrete plan for garbage disposal. The environment department has already said that Rs 5,000 will be charged if one is caught burning garbage and dry leaves in the open, reported India Today.
Plans are also afoot to introduce other steps to check pollution in the coming months. However, no announcement has been made in this regard so far.
According to reports, the quality of air worsens in the Capital because of a spike in vehicular traffic, while decreasing temperatures and lack of winds also invite more pollution. Experts have warned Delhiites to brace for worse air quality, with Diwali around the corner. For the past few years, Delhi pollution has multiplied up to five times on the day of Diwali, and experts believe that this year will not be any different.
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