Strong winds help improve air quality, govt holds review meet

Ahead of a possible spike in pollution levels during Diwali, the city government today directed the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) to monitor quality of air and check noise before and on the festive night.
The directions were given by Environment Minister Imran Hussain during a review meeting here attended by officials of his department, DPCC, Police, Petroleum and Exposure Safety Organisation (PESO), DMs, SDMs to map the progress of the anti-fire crackers campaign.
Air quality also saw a dramatic improvement today riding on the back of strong wind movement. SAFAR had the city's Air Quality Index (AQI) at 190, which falls in the moderate category.

Monitoring stations of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) had air quality in the moderate category as well.
"DPCC was directed to check and monitor ambient air and noise levels during pre and Diwali nights. The Environment Department has been directed to set up a control room in DPCC to coordinate with various agencies to curb illegal sale of fire crackers and for receipt and monitoring of inspection reports," a government official said.
The government also directed the 11 district-level teams, headed by area SDMs, to make daily surprise inspections and act against those found stocking and selling illegal or imported Chinese fire crackers.

Delhi Police informed that they have restricted the number of licenses for sale of fireworks.
The government is organising an awareness programme on October 27 at the Central Park in Connaught Place to raise awareness against firecrackers.