Delhi smog: CISF to issue masks to 7,000 personnel

In the wake of the rising level of pollution, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) will issue masks to its 7,000 personnel deployed on duty at airport, metro and other vital installations in Delhi.

CISF Director General O.P. Singh told ANI the force's medical team will keep an eye on the personnel having breathing troubles at places chocked with smog.

Meanwhile, rebuking the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led Delhi Government for accusing neighbouring states over the rising level of pollution in the national capital, the Centre on Sunday asserted that 80 percent of pollution in the city was due to the garbage within the national capital itself.

Speaking to ANI here, Union Environment Minister Anil Madhav Dave stated that according to the satellite images by ISRO, it was clear that the neighbouring states were responsible for only 20 percent of the pollution, whereas the remaining 80 percent was strictly from Delhi and mainly due to its garbage problem.

However, the Delhi Government remained adamant on its stand that crop burning by the neighbouring states was the main contributor towards the 'gas chamber' like situation in the city.

Speaking to ANI here, Delhi Health Minister Satyendra Jain stated the source of pollution is not from within Delhi but from its neighbouring states.

Meanwhile, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has called for an emergency meeting this afternoon to take stock of the recent measures announced to combat the soaring pollution-level in the national capital.

This development comes in the wake of the Centre calling a meeting of Environment Ministers of all neighbouring states on Monday to put an end to crop burning as Delhi's pollution rises to alarming level.