The Maharashtra government has decided to step up measures to control pollution levels as the air quality in the city continued to plunge. The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of Mumbai was 'moderate' at 118 on Thursday morning, while it was 149 at Wednesday noon, according to data provided by the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR)-India.
In view of the situation, Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde has called an emergency meeting on Thursday to review the situation. Many areas in the city dipped to ‘poor’ and ‘very poor’ air quality.
"The pollution level is above what is prescribed (in Mumbai). And that’s why a lot of new initiatives are being taken by the corporation. One of them is cleaning up the roads with water. The second is sprinkling water on construction sites. Fogging guns, which spray water into the air, are also being used to reduce air pollution," Maharashtra cabinet minister Deepak Kesarkar, also the guardian minister of Mumbai City, told ANI.
Authorities are also experimenting with various technologies to combat the pollution. "Certain filters are being installed at junctions and a different type is being installed at gardens and hospitals. Once these trials are over, the better technology will be implemented in Mumbai," Kesarkar added.
He also promised action against burning hazardous materials. "Action will be taken if plywood or other hazardous material are being burned. We have found instances of using acid for the manufacture of ornaments. We have put a stop to that," he added.
He also appealed to citizens not to burst firecrackers during Diwali. Kesarkar said the bursting of crackers remains a cause of "worry" for the state administration. The minister also urged people to celebrate the day lighting lamps.
Delhi still 'severe'
The air quality in Delhi still continues to be in severe category on Thursday morning, with toxic haze covering the skyline. The state government on Thursday had decided to induce artificial rain through cloud seeding. At a meeting held with officials from IIT Kanpur, the scientists explained that cloud seeding can only be attempted when there are clouds or moisture in the atmosphere.
"There is a possibility that, if current weather conditions persist, then this week or till some time in the future the pollution situation will remain the same," Delhi's Environment Minister Gopal Rai told reporters on Wednesday.
Rai said a proposal drafted by experts on making rain will be presented to the Supreme Court on Friday."I believe that given the conditions we have and if we get support from everyone, we can do the first pilot at least," Rai said.
