Delhi Pollution Crisis The increasing pollution in Delhi and NCR has taken the form of a serious crisis, affecting not only the general public but also educational institutions. The air quality index (AQI) in areas like Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, and Gurugram has crossed dangerous levels, and is having a serious impact on people’s health. On November 19, 2024, Delhi’s AQI crossed 500, which is the worst level of this season. In such a situation, many schools and universities have taken immediate action and shifted their classes to online mode.
Delhi universities and schools started online classes
Major education institutions like Delhi University, Jamia Millia Islamia and Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) are conducting online classes due to rising levels of air pollution. Jamia Millia Islamia made an official announcement on 19 November that the university will conduct all classes in online mode till 23 November. Similarly, JNU has also shifted its classes online till November 22. The objective of this decision is to protect students and staff from the dangerous effects of pollution.
Schools up to class 12 closed in Gurugram
In view of the increasing levels of air pollution in Gurugram district of Haryana, the District Education Officer has issued an order to postpone all physical classes up to class 12 from November 19 to November 23. This decision has been taken after the instructions of the Director of Education, Haryana and after assessing the pollution level. The closure of schools due to pollution has created a new problem for students and their parents, as many students had to prepare for exams and other important activities.
Delhi government demands support from the Centre.
Delhi’s Environment Minister Gopal Rai has demanded strict action from the Central Government regarding the serious situation of pollution. Rai alleged that the Central Government has not taken any concrete steps on the repeated appeals of the Delhi Government. “If the central government cannot control pollution, the Union minister should resign from his post,” he said. He again urged Union Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav to allow artificial rainfall in Delhi so that pollution can be controlled.
Conflict between central and state governments
The conflict between Delhi Government and Central Government on the issue of pollution is increasing. The Delhi government has sought to declare a state of emergency in Delhi-NCR, while the Center has not yet taken any decisive step. Delhi Government Minister Gopal Rai said that the Center is completely ignoring the issue of pollution, while the air quality of Delhi is continuously deteriorating.
Supreme Court’s strict stance
In view of the increasing problem of pollution in Delhi and surrounding areas, the Supreme Court has also expressed its concern. The court has ordered the Delhi government to take immediate steps to control the situation and also expected action from the central government. During this time, the court ordered to implement GREP-4 (Graded Response Action Plan), which is implemented to control dangerous levels of pollution.
What is GRAP?
GRAP, i.e. Graded Response Action Plan, is an emergency measure implemented in case of severe pollution. Under this, the number of vehicles is controlled, construction work is banned, and other measures are implemented to control pollution. This scheme has been implemented in view of the serious situation of pollution in Delhi.
need for artificial rain
Delhi government plans to take another step to tackle pollution, which is artificial rain. Minister Gopal Rai has requested the Center to approve it. He said that if the Central Government does not take immediate action in this matter, then the Delhi Government will have to take steps itself.
Increasing problem of pollution in Delhi-NCR
The problem of pollution in Delhi-NCR is increasing day by day. There has been a huge decline in air quality in the months of October and November due to burning of stubble in the fields, excess vehicles and industrial pollution. Especially during the winter season, when pollution levels are at their peak, Delhi’s air becomes completely poisonous. Due to this, cases of difficulty in breathing, eye irritation, and respiratory diseases are increasing.
Appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Delhi government has also appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene in this matter. Gopal Rai said, “It is the moral duty of the Prime Minister to take concrete steps to control pollution. If the central government fails to solve this problem, then we have to understand that the government is not serious about pollution control.”
Pollution has taken the form of a serious crisis in Delhi and its surrounding areas. Due to this, not only health problems are arising, but education, work and other life activities are also getting affected. Measures are being continuously demanded from the governments, but no concrete solution is visible yet. Now it remains to be seen whether the Central and State governments take immediate steps to deal with this serious pollution crisis, so that the residents of Delhi and NCR can get relief.
