New Delhi: Delhiites woke up to a hazy morning on Tuesday as the air quality worsened and reached the ‘very poor’ category yet again. The average Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded today was 371, according to the data provided by the Central Pollution Control Board.
On Monday, the air pollution situation in the national capital had improved slightly due to an increased wind speed. However, it remained in the ‘poor’ category as the city recorded a 24-hour average air quality index (AQI) of 293.
Notably, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) took upon its sleeve and issued notices to Union Environment ministry, CPCB, Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), Delhi Police commissioner, and state governments of Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, asking whether they should ban the use of firecrackers from November 7-30 in view of the rising air pollution amid coronavirus pandemic.
The NGT also appointed senior advocate Raj Panjwani and advocate Shibhani Ghosh to assist it as amicus curiae in the matter.
“Increased pollution may further affect the vulnerable groups and increase the fatality rate. COVID-19 cases in Delhi may go up to 15,000 per day, as against the current cases of about 5,000 per day.
Use of green crackers will not remedy the situation. The smoke will choke and may create a gas chamber like situation. It will lead to poor visibility, hazy conditions and asphyxia,” the plea said.
The matter has been posted for November 5.
“There are expert views on a clear nexus between air pollution and Covid-19. With increased pollution, the virus can cause more damage. In view of the above issue, notices have been issued to the authorities concerned,” said NGT on Monday.
The tribunal also noted that the AQI in the national capital was averaging between 410 and 450 almost everyday, which is ‘hazardous’.
“Firecrackers emit poisonous gases like SO2, NOX, CO and metal, besides creating noise. In the given climatic conditions, this may result in respiratory diseases, diabetic, hypertension and other issues,” the bench said.
NGT was hearing a plea by Indian Social Responsibility Network, filed through Santosh Gupta, seeking remedial action against air pollution, which would be heightened by firecrackers at a time when the air quality was already unsatisfactory”, potentially leading to a surge in COVID-19 cases “up to 15,000 per day against 5,000 per day currently”.
Use of green crackers will not remedy the situation. The smoke will choke and may create a gas chamber like situation. It will lead to poor visibility, hazy conditions and asphyxia, ” the application added.