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Amid the air quality in the Delhi-NCR region worsened to the ‘Very Poor’ category as the air quality index (AQI) climbed above 300 in many locations and the Union territory government taking steps, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai on 23 October wrote a letter to CM Arvind Kejriwal regarding the non-attendance of Delhi’s officials in the meeting called given increasing pollution.
In his letter, Rai requested Kejriwal the appointment of officers who are sensitive to the issue of air pollution.
He said that a meeting of the National Capital Civil Service Authority (NCCSA) should be convened as soon as possible to address the issue. As per details, the NCCSA takes a call on service matters, including transfers, postings, and disciplinary action.
ALSO READ: Delhi air pollution: Govt explains why 13 hotspots saw AQI over 300, to depute special teams
In his letter to Kejriwal, Rai said, “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, did not attend the important meeting today. Their absence makes it extremely difficult to make any significant decisions and ensure their implementation.”
“Therefore, I request that, to effectively address the serious pollution situation, a meeting of the National Capital Civil Service Authority should be convened as soon as possible, and officers who are sensitive to the issue of pollution and can actively work to reduce pollution should be appointed,” he concluded.
Here’s the letter:
Earlier in the day, following the meeting with departments concerned, Rai expressed regret that several department heads did not attend the meeting and other senior officials appeared to be unaware of the deteriorating air quality and the measures their departments are taking to combat pollution.
Depleting AQI of Delhi-NCR:
“There are 13 pollution hotspots in Delhi. Today, 8 other points including Shadipur, Mandir Marg, Patparganj, Sonia Vihar, and Moti Bagh witnessed AQI levels above 300 today due to local reasons. Special teams will be deputed here to identify and inspect local sources of pollution there,” Gopal Rai said as per news agency ANI.
Govt cautions vulnerable group
Citing the worsening air quality, the authorities have also released an advisory requesting vulnerable groups like elders and children to stay indoors.
“Avoid prolonged or heavy exertion. Go for a short walk instead of a jog and take more breaks. Stop any activity if you experience any unusual coughing, chest discomfort, wheezing, breathing difficulty, or fatigue,” the government advisory said.
With agency inputs.
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Updated: 23 Oct 2023, 09:11 PM IST
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