Central committee to submit report on high pollution level, says Satyendra Jain

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Delhi health minister Satyendra Jain today spoke on the high pollution levels post Diwali celebrations and said the Centre has set up a committee to look into the same.

"We have mentioned that the Prime Minister has formed a committee and it will submit detailed recommendations along with timelines as to what work is to be done, by which organisation, till what time, the estimated costs and who will bear the costs," he said.

When asked about the pollution-level in the NCR, Jain said, "Not only in NCR, air pollution is severe in entire north India. The pollution-level is high in many cities. We definitely need to look into the matter."

Adding that the usage of crackers was lesser this Diwali, he said, "We would like to thank the people for that. The situation will improve in a day or two along with strong winds."

Speaking on various pollution reports, Jain said, "There are plenty of reports but we are talking about action."

Commenting on the installation of giant outdoor air purifiers at five highly polluted locations, he said: "It is true that five purifiers won't really matter for the entire Delhi but there are local areas where the pollution-level is really high. Pollution-level is not the same everywhere. Many places have concentrated levels and the purifiers will work at those places."

The air quality around Delhi and adjoining states was recorded severe due to incessant bursting of firecrackers, notwithstanding appeals by the authorities as dense and heavy smog was palpable since early morning.

According to the National Air Quality Index, air in severe category affects healthy people and seriously impacts those with existing diseases.

The visibility-level was so low that around five vehicles collided due to dense fog at the DND flyover this morning. However, no injuries were reported.

--ANI

Also read: Diwali aftermath: Air quality Index for Delhi recorded 'severe', commuters complain of low visibility