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Delhi Zoo tackles winter pollution with water sprinklers and special diet for an

Special measures, including the use of water sprinklers, have been implemented at the Delhi Zoo to combat air pollution and ensure that wild animals are not adversely affected. The Director of the National Zoological Park, Dr. Sanjeet Kumar, on Monday, highlighted the challenges faced by zoo management during winter. Speaking to ANI, Dr. Kumar said, "As soon as the winter season begins, the zoo management faces two challenges. First, the pollution levels rise after Diwali, and second, the onset of winter... The area around the zoo is very green, and local pollution is minimal as no diesel or petrol vehicles are allowed inside. However, water sprinklers are used to mitigate the effects of pollution." He added, "We prioritise winter management to ensure the wild animals remain unaffected by the cold. A special vehicle sprays fine droplets of water to reduce pollution levels. The animals are provided with a winter diet enriched with fats, and heaters have been installed to keep them warm." Meanwhile, Aam Aadmi Party leader and Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Monday stated that the Delhi government is "doing its part" and urged the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Central government to take immediate action to safeguard not only Delhi but the entire North India region. "At its level, the Delhi government is taking all possible steps. We have directed officials to ensure strict implementation of GRAP (Graded Response Action Plan) Stage IV guidelines. I urge the Central government to take emergency measures to save North India from this crisis," Rai said during a press conference in the capital. The AAP leader criticised the Central government for its "inaction" on the escalating pollution crisis in North India. "Pollution levels have become hazardous with the changing weather across North India. It is unfortunate that the Central government remains inactive at such a critical time, and there is no clarity on the Union Environment Minister's whereabouts. The Centre needs to collaborate with all states to address this issue," he said. Notably, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has imposed the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage IV in Delhi NCR starting Monday, as the Air Quality Index (AQI) plunged into the 'severe plus' category. The decision followed a sharp rise in Delhi's daily average AQI, which reached 441 by 4 pm on Sunday and further escalated to 457 by 7 pm, prompting an emergency meeting of the GRAP Sub-Committee. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

19 November,2024 09:23 AM IST | New Delhi | ANI
Arvind Kejriwal. File pic

"Violence has no place in a democratic society": Kejriwal reacts to Anil Deshmuk

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Convenor and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal condemned the attack on NCP-SCP leader Anil Deshmukh by unidentified miscreants, in a statement posted on Monday. Taking to social media platform X, Kejriwal decried the violence, stating it has no place in a democratic society. I strongly condemn the life-threatening assault on Anil Deshmukh ji. Violence has no place in a democratic society. https://t.co/Qo9JIKoLKS — Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) November 18, 2024 "I strongly condemn the life-threatening assault on Anil Deshmukh ji. Violence has no place in a democratic society," Kejriwal wrote on X. Anil Deshmukh, who sustained injuries in the attack, was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment. The incident took place on the final day of campaigning for the November 20 Maharashtra Assembly elections. The Nationalist Congress Party (SCP) leader and former Maharashtra minister was reportedly injured when his car was attacked with stones on the Katol-Jalalkheda Road in the Katol Assembly constituency. Deshmukh's son, Salil Deshmukh, is contesting the election from the Katol seat on the NCP Sharad Pawar faction's ticket against BJP candidate Charansingh Thakur. The Maharashtra Assembly elections are set for November 20, with counting for all 288 constituencies scheduled for November 23. The opposition MVA coalition, comprising Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and the Nationalist Congress Party (SCP), aims to reclaim power in the state, challenging the Mahayuti alliance, which includes the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, the BJP, and the Ajit Pawar-led NCP faction. In the 2019 Assembly elections, the BJP won 105 seats, Shiv Sena 56, and Congress 44. In 2014, the BJP secured 122 seats, Shiv Sena 63, and Congress 42. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

19 November,2024 09:22 AM IST | New Delhi | ANI
Representational Image. Pic Courtesy/iStock

Punjab records highest single-day stubble burning incidents with 1,251 farm fire

Punjab recorded its highest single-day count of stubble-burning incidents this season, with 1,251 farm fires reported on Monday. According to data from the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB), this has raised the total number of such cases in the state to 9,655. The surge underscores the ongoing challenge of stubble burning, a major contributor to air pollution in northern India. Monday's figures have surpassed the daily tallies of the past three years, with 701 incidents reported on the same day in 2022 and 637 in 2023. Officials from the PPCB have emphasised the need for stricter enforcement and greater cooperation from farmers to tackle the issue. Amid worsening air quality in Delhi, stubble burning continued in parts of Punjab, with incidents reported in fields in the Karamgarh village of Sri Muktsar Sahib. Earlier, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) took a significant step to curb stubble burning by issuing orders to ensure the imposition of revised Environmental Compensation (EC) for such cases. The directive, issued on November 7, 2024, was addressed to the Chief Secretaries of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Delhi, as per a press release from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

19 November,2024 09:22 AM IST | Amritsar (Punjab) | ANI
Representational Image. Pic Courtesy/iStock

Bihar: Railway employee dies after being hit by train

An on-duty railway employee, identified as Vipin Kumar Singh, died after being hit by train number 07545 Katihar-Jogbani Passenger on platform number 3 of Katihar railway station in Bihar on Monday. Vipin Kumar, who worked in the SSE (C&W) department, is a resident of Katihar and was performing his duties at the time of the accident. The incident occurred when Vipin Kumar was busy with work on the platform. He was struck by the approaching train, resulting in his death. Upon receiving information about the accident, the Government Railway Police (GRP) immediately reached the spot to begin their investigation. Vipin Kumar’s body was recovered and sent for the postmortem at Sadar Hospital. The GRP has launched an inquiry into the matter to determine the exact circumstances leading to the accident and to address potential shortcomings in operational protocols. Manoj Kumar Singh, Additional Divisional Railway Manager (ADRM) of the Katihar Railway Division, expressed sorrow over the incident, saying, “The incident is very sad. Orders have been given to investigate the matter. Further action is being taken.” Vipin was reportedly involved in shunting trains when he was struck by Katihar-Jogbani Passenger. The unexpected accident caused chaos at the railway station, leaving passengers and staff alarmed. On November 9, a tragic accident occurred at Barauni Railway Station in Begusarai, Bihar, when an employee was crushed between engine and bogie and died on the spot. The incident occurred at platform five when railway worker Amar Rawat, who was responsible for uncoupling the engine from the bogie of the 5204 Barauni-Lucknow Express, lost his life after an engine unexpectedly moved backwards without a signal, trapping him between the engine and the bogie. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

19 November,2024 09:22 AM IST | Patna | IANS
Narendra Modi. Pic/AFP

PM Narendra Modi and other world leaders pose for a family photo at G20 summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, China's President Xi Jinping, and other leaders posed for a family photo at the 19th G20 Leaders' Summit. The photo was taken following the launch of the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty. The official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal, described it as "a photo for posterity." "A photo for posterity! The #G20 leaders together for 'Building a Just World and a Sustainable Planet'," Jaiswal posted on X. Earlier in the day, PM Modi welcomed Brazil's initiative to establish the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, emphasising that the Global South is severely impacted by food, fuel, and fertiliser crises caused by ongoing conflicts. He stressed that their concerns must be prioritised. "We support Brazil's initiative for a 'Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty.' This is an important step towards implementing the Deccan High-Level Principles for Food Security, adopted at the New Delhi Summit," he stated. During his address at the G20 session on 'Social Inclusion and the Fight Against Hunger and Poverty,' PM Modi highlighted India's success in lifting 250 million people out of poverty over the last decade. He also reaffirmed India's support for Brazil's initiative. Speaking about India's achievements in ensuring food security, PM Modi noted that the country's approach, based on "Back to Basics and March to Future," is delivering significant results. He elaborated on measures taken by India to promote women-led development, highlighting that over 800 million people are provided with free foodgrains, and more than 550 million people benefit from the world's largest health insurance scheme. "With respect to the theme of the first session, I would like to share India's experiences and success stories. Over the last 10 years, we have lifted 250 million people out of poverty. Over 800 million people are provided with free foodgrains. More than 550 million people benefit from the world's largest health insurance scheme. Now, 60 million senior citizens, over the age of 70, will also be eligible for free health insurance," he said. Prime Minister Modi emphasised that the development of the Global South hinges on decisions made with their unique challenges in mind. "Countries of the Global South are most adversely impacted by the food, fuel, and fertiliser crisis caused by global conflicts. Our discussions can only succeed if we consider the challenges and priorities of the Global South. Just as we amplified the voice of the Global South by granting permanent G20 membership to the African Union during the New Delhi Summit, we will continue to reform global governance institutions," he said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

19 November,2024 09:22 AM IST | Rio de Janeiro | ANI
Manohar Lal giving membership slip to Kailash Gahlot. Pic/PTI

Kailash Gahlot joins BJP

Former Delhi minister Kailash Gahlot joined the BJP on Monday, a day after resigning from the AAP, and accused his former party of constantly picking fights with the Centre and compromising the values which drew people to its fold. He joined the BJP at its headquarters in the presence of Union ministers Manohar Lal Khattar and Harsh Malhotra, Delhi unit president Virendra Sachdeva, party vice president Baijayant Jay Panda and national media head Anil Baluni among others. Gahlot said maintaining good relations with the Centre is essential for Delhi's development, as he accused the AAP government of constantly being in a fight with the central government led by the BJP. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

19 November,2024 07:36 AM IST | New Delhi | Agencies
Anil Methaniya

Gujarat MBBS student dies after ragging, 15 booked

Police have booked 15 students of a medical college in Gujarat’s Patan district following the death of an 18-year-old student who was allegedly ragged by them, officials said on Monday. The accused, all second-year MBBS students, allegedly made some juniors, including the victim, stand in a hostel room for more than three hours on Saturday night and subjected them to “mental and physical torture,” as per the First Information Report (FIR). They have been booked for culpable homicide not amounting to murder and other offences, the FIR said. The accused students have been suspended from their hostel and academic activities until further orders, said officials from the GMERS Medical College and Hospital at Dharpur in Patan. The victim, Anil Methaniya, a first-year MBBS student, fell unconscious and died allegedly after being made to stand for three hours by his seniors at a hostel of the college on Saturday night. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

19 November,2024 07:33 AM IST | Patan (Gujarat) | Agencies
The Manipur situation has been volatile following protests and violence over the killings of locals. Pic/PTI

Manipur: Centre to deploy 50 more CAPF companies

The Centre has decided to send an additional 50 Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) companies comprising more than 5,000 personnel to Manipur in view of the “challenging” security and law and order situation in the northeastern state, official sources said on Monday. This comes after the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) rushed 20 additional CAPF companies, 15 from the CRPF and five from the BSF, to the state following an order issued on November 12 after violence broke out in Jiribam district and spread to other places. With last week’s deployment, a total of 218 CAPF companies are now present in the state, which has been reeling from ethnic strife since May last year. The situation in Manipur has been volatile following protests and violence after the recovery of bodies of women and children. On Saturday, the MHA said all security forces deployed in Manipur have been directed to take necessary steps to restore order and peace in the state. It said armed miscreants from both communities in conflict have been indulging in violence, leading to unfortunate loss of lives and disruption in public order.More than 220 people have been killed and thousands rendered homeless in the ethnic violence between Imphal Valley-based Meiteis and adjoining hills-based Kuki-Zo groups since May last year.  Shah reviews security situation  Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday reviewed the prevailing security situation with top officials of the central and state governments for the second consecutive day, sources said. He also reviewed deployment of troops in the state and directed top officials to focus on restoring peace and order there as early as possible, sources said.The home minister reviewed the security situation of Manipur the sources said. The government is rushing in about 5,000 paramilitary troops to Manipur to assist the state government in handling the current “volatile” situation in the Northeastern state. Manipur has seen a fresh wave of protests after six people went missing from a camp for displaced persons in Jiribam on November 11, following a gunfight between armed men and security forces that resulted in the deaths of 10 Kuki youths. NIA to probe fresh incidents  The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has registered three cases in connection with the latest instances of violence in strife-torn Manipur,. The cases, which were originally filed by Manipur Police, were registered by the anti-terror agency on November 13 and the investigation into these cases has begun. The cases taken over by the NIA are those related to the murder of a woman at Jiribam, attack on a CRPF post in Jiribam by armed militants and burning of houses and killing of civilian at Borobekra, officials said. Cong demands PM’s visit, HM’s resignation Amid spike in violence in Manipur, the Congress on Monday asserted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi must visit the troubled state before the Parliament session and demanded Home Minister Amit Shah’s resignation for the “double engine government’s complete failure” there. Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said the PM must first meet an all-party delegation from Manipur and then also call an all-party meeting at the national level. AICC in-charge of state Girish Chodankardemanded that Shah and CM N Biren Singh must resign.  Protester killed in clash with forces A protester was killed in firing during a clash between security forces and a mob that was vandalising properties in Jiribam district, police said on Monday. Police confirmed that one person was killed in firing but said it was not immediately clear who opened fire. The incident took place late on Sunday night when agitators were vandalising properties at Babupara in Jiribam police station area to protest the killing of women and children abducted by militants. The deceased has been identified as K Athouba, who was in his twenties, said officials. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

19 November,2024 07:30 AM IST | New Delhi | Agencies
Pic/X

G20 Summit: Our approach of 'Back to basics' reason for India's success, says PM

Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi made an address on Social Inclusion and the Fight Against Hunger and Poverty at the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Monday. According to news agency ANI, in his address, PM Modi underscored India's success in lifting 250 million people out of poverty over the past decade and expressed full support for Brazil's initiative to form a global alliance against hunger and poverty.  Speaking about India's efforts in tackling food security, PM Modi outlined the country’s strategy based on a dual approach of 'Back to Basics' and 'March to Future', which he claimed had been yielding positive results. He highlighted India's extensive measures to promote women-led development, including providing free foodgrains to more than 800 million people and ensuring that over 550 million benefit from the world’s largest health insurance scheme. "In the past 10 years, we have lifted 250 million people out of poverty," Modi stated. "More than 800 million people are being given foodgrains free of cost, and 550 million are benefitting from the world’s largest health insurance scheme. Now, 60 million senior citizens, above the age of 70, will also benefit from free health insurance." The PM also supported Brazil's proposal to establish a Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty, emphasising that the Global South has been severely impacted by the crises in food, fuel, and fertiliser caused by ongoing global conflicts. He called for these concerns to be prioritised. "We support Brazil’s initiative for a 'Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty'. This is an important step towards implementing the Deccan High-Level Principles for Food Security, adopted at the New Delhi Summit," Modi affirmed. According to ANI, Modi highlighted the importance of including the challenges of the Global South in the discussions, stressing that the decisions made at the G20 Summit must reflect their specific needs. He noted that just as the Global South’s voice was amplified by granting permanent membership of the G20 to the African Union at the New Delhi Summit, similar reforms in global governance institutions would continue. Our focus on women-led development and social inclusion: PM Modi "Countries of the Global South are most adversely impacted by the food, fuel, and fertiliser crises caused by global conflicts. Our discussions can only succeed if we address the challenges and priorities of the Global South," he said, adding that the outcomes of the New Delhi Summit were shaping the ongoing discussions in Brazil. Referring to the theme of the summit, PM Modi emphasised that the decisions made last year in New Delhi were people-centric, focusing on inclusive development, women-led progress, youth empowerment, and the aspirations of the Global South. "It is clear that 'One Earth, One Family, One Future' is as relevant at this summit as it was last year," he said. According to ANI, PM Modi also discussed the progress made in empowering women and supporting farmers in India. He revealed that more than 300 million women micro-entrepreneurs had been linked to banks and given access to credit. Additionally, under the world's largest crop insurance scheme, more than 40 million farmers had received benefits worth USD 20 billion, with total financial assistance to farmers amounting to over USD 40 billion. "Maintaining our focus on women-led development and social inclusion, over 300 million women micro-entrepreneurs have been linked to banks and given access to credit," he explained, adding, "Under the farmers’ scheme, assistance worth over USD 40 billion has been given to 110 million farmers. Institutional credit worth USD 300 billion is being provided to farmers." PM Modi also spoke about India’s Integrated Nutrition Support Programme, which supports women and children, and the country’s commitment to ensuring both food security and better nutrition. "India is not only ensuring food security but also focusing on nutrition. Through the Mid-Day Meal scheme, we are paying special attention to the nutritional needs of schoolchildren," he said. India’s role in contributing to global food security was also highlighted, with PM Modi pointing out that India had provided humanitarian assistance to countries such as Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Regarding India's agricultural policies, PM Modi said that the country’s success was attributed to its approach of blending traditional methods with modern technology. "The main reason for our success is our approach: 'Back to Basics' and 'March to the Future'. We have focused on sustainable agriculture, organic farming, and new technologies, promoting millets and climate-resilient crop varieties," he said. He further mentioned the creation of over 2,000 climate-resilient crop varieties and the launch of the 'Digital Agriculture Mission'. PM Modi also thanked Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva for hosting the G20 Summit and providing exceptional hospitality. He reiterated that the Indian G20 presidency’s call for 'One Earth, One Family, One Future' continued to resonate strongly in Rio. "I would like to congratulate President Lula for the grand arrangements made for the organisation of the G20 Summit and for his successful G20 Presidency. I am confident that during the next session, there will be even more positive and detailed discussions on this subject," he said. (With ANI inputs)

18 November,2024 11:03 PM IST | Rio de Janeiro | mid-day online correspondent
File pic

Anil Deshmukh seriously injured after stones hurled at his car

Former Maharashtra Home Minister and Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) leader Anil Deshmukh was seriously injured after stones were hurled at his car in Nagpur district on Monday night, the police said. Condemning the attack, NCP (SP) wrote, "Democracy is being destroyed. An example of this came out today in the cowardly attack on Anil Deshmukh, the former home minister of the state and the leader of the Nationalist Congress Party Sharad Chandra Pawar, while returning home from the conclusion of the election. This incident is publicly condemned on behalf of the Nationalist Congress Party-Sharad Chandra Pawar Party." राज्यात कायदा सुव्यवस्थेचे तीन तेरा वाजले आहेत. लोकशाहीचे धिंडवडे उडवले जात आहेत. याचे उदाहरण आज निवडणुकीच्या सांगता सभेवरून घरी परतताना राज्याचे माजी गृहमंत्री तसेच राष्ट्रवादी काँग्रेस पक्ष शरदचंद्र पवार पक्षाचे नेते अनिल देशमुख यांच्यावर झालेल्या भ्याड हल्ल्यातून समोर आले. या… pic.twitter.com/vo8U3uoqoH — Nationalist Congress Party - Sharadchandra Pawar (@NCPspeaks) November 18, 2024 The incident occurred around 8 pm when Deshmukh was returning to Katol after attending a meeting in Narkhed village. Some unidentified persons threw stones at Deshmukh's car near Belphata on the Jalalkheda Road near Katol. Deshmukh, who sustained injuries during the attack, was immediately rushed to the Katol Civil Hospital, police said.Nagpur Rural Superintendent of Police, Harssh Poddar, confirmed the incident. He said senior officers were rushed to the spot. "An investigation has begun. Police are trying to identify those responsible for the attack," he said.The incident occurred on the last day of campaigning for the November 20 Maharashtra assembly elections. Deshmukh's son Salil Deshmukh is contesting from the Katol assembly constituency on the NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) ticket against BJP's Charansingh Thakur.  This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.

18 November,2024 10:20 PM IST | Nagpur | Agencies
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Delhi air pollution: CM Atishi says North India facing 'medical emergency'

Delhi Chief Minister (CM) Atishi on Monday raised concerns over the severe air pollution which is affecting most parts of North India and described the situation as a "medical emergency caused by rampant stubble burning in several BJP-ruled states".  According to news agency PTI, Atishi alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Central Government, instead of addressing the crisis, is focussed on political blame games.  "North India is choking because of the Modi government's inaction. Stubble burning incidents have escalated in BJP-ruled states of Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh, while AAP (Aam Aadmi Party)-governed Punjab has registered a decline," Atishi said, while addressing a press conference in the capital. Atishi also highlighted the distress of Delhi's residents, recounting how she had received phone calls throughout the night from citizens seeking medical help, PTI reported. "Some needed to admit their elderly parents to hospitals due to breathing difficulties, while others had to rush to get asthma inhalers for their young children late at night," the CM said. Pointing to official data, Atishi claimed that the reduction in stubble burning incidents in AAP-ruled Punjab demonstrated effective governance, in stark contrast to the approach seen in states governed by BJP, reported PTI. Delhi air pollution: Centre playing politics while people are finding it difficult to breathe, says CM Meanwhile, Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva dismissed the CM's claims as "most irresponsible", accusing her of attempting to defend the Punjab government. "On a day Delhi expected drastic relief measures from CM Atishi, all she did was make the most irresponsible claims on pollution to defend the Punjab government," Sachdeva remarked. He further argued that if the central government had not built infrastructure projects such as the East-West Corridor and the Dwarka Expressway, allowing thousands of diesel trucks and other vehicles to bypass the city, the Air Quality Index (AQI) would have likely surpassed 600 by now. Delhi’s air quality worsened to the 'severe plus' category on Monday, with the city recording an AQI of 484, as a dense toxic smog caused visibility to sharply drop in the morning. Atishi criticised the central government's response to the situation, stating, "The people of Delhi are struggling to breathe, with the elderly and children needing medical support due to the severe pollution. Instead of taking action, the central government is busy playing politics, pushing the entire region towards a health crisis." She also questioned why the central government had not taken the same measures as those implemented in Punjab. "If the Punjab government can reduce stubble burning, why can't BJP-ruled states do the same? The rising pollution levels across North India highlight the failure of the central government's policies," Atishi said. While BJP-ruled states are seeing an alarming rise in stubble burning, Punjab stands as the sole exception, having reduced stubble-burning incidents by 80 per cent, from 73,300 in 2021 to 8,404 in 2024, Atishi added. In response to the Delhi air pollution crisis, the Commission for Air Quality Management in the National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas has ordered the implementation of Stage-IV restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR. (With PTI inputs)

18 November,2024 08:43 PM IST | Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
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