Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Tuesday distributed heaters to night-shift employees at the Delhi Secretariat as part of the government’s Anti Open Fire campaign, aimed at discouraging workers from lighting bonfires during the winter season.
Addressing the media, Rai highlighted that the Air Quality Index (AQI) of the national capital is lower than in previous years, and with the efforts of the people, pollution has not reached severe levels this time.
“During previous years, between November 1st and November 15th, Delhi’s AQI used to cross 400 almost every year. There were many days when Delhi’s AQI would even enter the ‘severe plus’ category. However, Delhi’s AQI has not entered the severe category so far this year,” he said.
The Minister underlined that several factors have contributed to this improvement, stating, “Steps to mitigate pollution have been taken under the Winter Action Plan in Delhi, alongside a reduction in stubble-burning incidents. A third factor is the continued warm temperatures and wind.”
“Under the Anti-Dust campaign, construction sites have been monitored across Delhi. More than 200 Mobile Anti-Smog Guns are working on the roads 24 hours a day. The ‘Red Light On, Gaadi Off’ campaign reminds drivers at every signal to turn off their vehicles at red lights,” Rai noted.
The government is also expanding its initiative to encourage Residents’ Welfare Associations (RWAs) to provide heaters to society guards to reduce instances of bonfires, he said, adding that heaters will be provided to all night-shift guards in government offices.
“Private institutions and construction sites across Delhi have been asked to do the same,” the Minister added.
“This measure will help prevent biomass burning, which contributes to localized pollution spikes in the winter. Employees working night shifts will use heaters instead of lighting fires,” he said.
