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As the air quality in Delhi touched the 'Severe' category on Friday, Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena called the meeting of officials at his residence, Raj Niwas.
Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai also attended the meeting to discuss increasing air pollution in the city. "We had detailed talks to ensure that the measures taken to control pollution are implemented strictly. We also discussed about the officials who missed the previous meetings and requested that the senior officials join the meeting, cooperate and work actively so that the decisions taken can be implemented on the ground," Gopal Rai said. Delhi Environment minister further said that they also requested LG Saxena to take action against Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) chairman for shutting down smog towers. "We have also requested the LG to take action against the DPCC chairman who closed the Smog Tower and Real-Time Source Apportionment System without any cabinet decision. We have also talked about working together with the neighbouring states of Delhi," he added. Meanwhile, The National Green Tribunal (NGT) issued a notice on Friday to the Chief Secretaries of the States where the Air Quality Index (AQI) has dipped to severe, very poor and poor categories. They are directed to take immediate remedial action and submit the action taken report before the Tribunal, including Delhi. While seeking a response, the Tribunal observed that immediate action was required. Serious conditions are reflected in various cities in the air quality bulletins. Hence, immediate action is required for the prevention and control of air pollution in these cities so as to ensure better air quality for the residents. The air quality in the national capital turned 'severe' on Friday morning with Mundka recording the highest Air Quality Index (498). There was a thick haze blanketing the skyline of the national capital and adjoining areas as the Air Quality Index (AQI) breached the 400 mark at multiple locations. (ANI)
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