Thirty-seven flights were diverted this morning as pollution levels in Delhi crossed the 600 mark. From yesterday's 407 mark, the Air Quality Index or AQI rose to 625 - enveloping the city in a thick blanket of haze that made breathing difficult and played havoc with air and road traffic. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal called the situation "unbearable" and said the people of Delhi were suffering for "no fault of theirs". Pollution levels in Delhi's neighbouring areas were high too, forcing the authorities in Noida, in Uttar Pradesh, to shut schools till Tuesday. The Supreme Court is expected to take up the matter tomorrow.
A tweet from Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal read: "Pollution has reached unbearable levels across North India. Delhi government taken many steps. Delhiites have made many sacrifices. Delhi suffering for no fault of theirs. Punjab CM also expressed concern. Centre should take immediate steps to provide relief. We will support Centre in all initiatives.
There was no word from Punjab or Haryana, where stubble burning by farmers triggers a crisis in Delhi and adjoining areas every winter. The Chief Ministers of both states have asked the Centre to lead the way.
Pollution in the National Capital Region was declared a public health emergency on Friday by the Environment Pollution (Prevention & Control) Authority after pollution levels entered into the "emergency" category for the first time since January.
A tweet from Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal read: "Pollution has reached unbearable levels across North India. Delhi government taken many steps. Delhiites have made many sacrifices. Delhi suffering for no fault of theirs. Punjab CM also expressed concern. Centre should take immediate steps to provide relief. We will support Centre in all initiatives.
There was no word from Punjab or Haryana, where stubble burning by farmers triggers a crisis in Delhi and adjoining areas every winter. The Chief Ministers of both states have asked the Centre to lead the way.
Pollution in the National Capital Region was declared a public health emergency on Friday by the Environment Pollution (Prevention & Control) Authority after pollution levels entered into the "emergency" category for the first time since January.
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