Air pollution in Delhi-National Capital Region has touched the ‘severe-plus’ category for the third consecutive day, with people in the capital gasping for breath. Delhi government has asked 50 pc of its staff to work from home. As early morning smog covered the capital, visibility at Delhi airport was 800 meters on Tuesday at 7 am. Since Monday morning, GRAP (Graded Response Action Plan) Stage 4 has been in force, with all schools and colleges of Delhi University closed. A blanket ban has been imposed on construction/demolition activities, while entry of diesel trucks into Delhi has been prohibited. Despite all-out efforts, the air quality index is not improving. Experts say, if the situation continues, people in the capital region will be forced to inhale poisonous air. Everything now depends on wind speed and light rain, which can improve the air quality index. Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai has requested Union Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav to convene an urgent meeting to explore carrying out of artificial rain through seeded clouds as an emergency measure.
