Overview

• Despite a comprehensive 15-point winter action plan aimed at curbing escalating pollution levels, Delhi's air quality index (AQI) remained 'very poor' for the fourth straight day, reaching the 'severe' zone in some areas with AQIs exceeding 400.
• Air quality worsened due to a mix of stubble burning in neighboring states, vehicle emissions, and reduced cool season winds. In comparison, the air quality in Mumbai remained 'moderate', demonstrating regional variations in pollution conditions.
• The Delhi government initiated anti-dust campaigns and restrictions on construction work in an effort to mitigate pollution. Still, the persistently high pollution levels indicate a lack of effectiveness in these measures.
• Municipal Corporation of Delhi pinpointed 13 pollution hotspots in Delhi, assigning a deputy commissioner as a nodal officer for each location. Efforts are focused on mitigating street dust-related issues, which contribute significantly to overall pollution.
• Various initiatives, like the 'Red Light on, Gaadi off' campaign and industrial shifts to natural gas, have been implemented. However, incoming buses from other states, primarily running on diesel, are contributing to elevated pollution levels.