New Delhi [India], December 24 (ANI): Visuals from around the city show a layer of toxic smog blanketing Delhi as the average Air Quality Index (AQI) reading stood at 373, placing the figure in the ‘very poor’ category.
The AQI around Ghazipur on NH-24 in Delhi was 368, classified as ‘very poor’, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). 
Similar conditions were observed at Indira Gandhi International Airport, where the AQI was also recorded at 368, falling in the ‘very poor’ category, as per CPCB data.
Images from ITO area and Anand Vihar show the national capital engulfed in a thick layer of smog. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has invoked all actions under GRAP Stage-IV in Delhi-NCR, with an AQI of 374 recorded around ITO and Anand Vihar. Republic Day parade rehearsals at India Gate are also underway amid smog, with AQI at 354, categorised as ‘very poor’, according to CPCB.
The AQI reading between 0-50 is ‘good’, 51-100 ‘satisfactory’, 101-200 ‘moderate’, 201-300 ‘poor’, 301-400 ‘very poor’, and 401-500 ‘severe’.
Meanwhile, the Delhi Cabinet, on Tuesday, approved a series of major decisions aimed at strengthening the capital’s fight against pollution and improving environmental governance, according to a press release.
Announcing the outcomes, Minister for Environment Manjinder Singh Sirsa said that these initiatives would bring “a decisive reduction in sources of air and water pollution, while creating a cleaner, more sustainable urban environment.” The Cabinet approved an allocation of Rs. 100 crore for rejuvenating water bodies under the Delhi government. There are approximately 1,000 such water bodies in Delhi, out of which 160 fall under the Delhi Government’s domain.
Sirsa stated, “The rejuvenation of Delhi’s water bodies will play a crucial role in pollution control. The Chief Minister has directed that every possible financial support be extended to complete this work within the year.”
Earlier, the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) had provided Rs. 19 crore for this initiative. With this additional Rs. 100 crore, the goal is to achieve 100 per cent rejuvenation of all identified water bodies. Follow-ups would also be made with the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to ensure similar action on their part, the release stated.
The Cabinet also approved the establishment of Delhi’s first E-Waste Park at Holambi Kalan, covering 11.5 acres, which will adhere to the best pollution norms and operate on a 100 per cent circular, zero-waste model.
“This will be India’s first state-of-the-art e-waste facility built on zero pollution and zero wastage principles. The plant will fully recycle and reuse water through an advanced recirculation mechanism,” Sirsa said. (ANI)
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