The air quality in the Delhi-NCR region has deteriorated to the ‘Very Poor’ category, with the air quality index (AQI) surpassing 300 in multiple areas. In light of the worsening pollution, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai has written a letter to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal regarding the absence of Delhi’s officials at a crucial meeting addressing the rising pollution levels.
In his letter, Minister Rai implores Chief Minister Kejriwal to appoint officers who are sensitive to the issue of air pollution. He emphasizes the need for an immediate meeting of the National Capital Civil Service Authority (NCCSA) to tackle the issue. The NCCSA is responsible for service matters, including transfers, postings, and disciplinary actions.
Minister Rai expressed his concern over the absence of key officials, including A K Singh, Principal Secretary of the Environment Department; Ashwani Kumar, DPCC Chairman and Principal Secretary of the Revenue Department; and Ashish Kundra, Transport Commissioner, at the crucial meeting. Their absence, according to Rai, hindered the decision-making process and the implementation of essential measures.
He concludes his letter by requesting the prompt convening of an NCCSA meeting to appoint officers who are committed to addressing pollution issues effectively.
Earlier in the day, after a meeting with relevant departments, Minister Rai expressed disappointment over the non-attendance of department heads and the lack of awareness among senior officials regarding the deteriorating air quality and the measures their departments are taking to combat pollution.
The deteriorating air quality in Delhi-NCR has prompted authorities to issue an advisory, urging vulnerable groups such as the elderly and children to stay indoors. The advisory cautions against prolonged or intense physical exertion and recommends opting for short walks instead of strenuous activities. It advises individuals to halt any activity if they experience unusual symptoms like coughing, chest discomfort, wheezing, breathing difficulties, or fatigue.
The government is actively addressing the air pollution issue, and calls for greater cooperation among officials to mitigate its impact on the region’s residents.