The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led Delhi government has identified buses from Uttar Pradesh as a major contributor to the deteriorating air quality in Delhi, particularly in the Anand Vihar area.

On October 20, 2024, Delhi Chief Minister Atishi and Environment Minister Gopal Rai conducted an inspection at Anand Vihar, where the Air Quality Index (AQI) plummeted to a "severe" level of 454 at 8:30 am.

Chief Minister Atishi highlighted the stringent anti-pollution measures being implemented across the city.

"We have formed 99 teams dedicated to dust control measures and have started deploying over 325 smog guns. The Public Works Department (PWD) and Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) are utilizing all available resources to combat pollution," news agency ANI reported quoting the AAP minister.

Atishi emphasised that Anand Vihar, located at the Delhi-UP border, is a significant pollution hotspot.

During the inspection, Atishi and Gopal Rai oversaw various pollution control measures, including road repairs and encroachment removal to reduce dust.

Atishi pointed out that the buses from Uttar Pradesh are a primary cause of poor air quality in Anand Vihar and called for discussions with the UP government to address the issue.

She also expressed concern over the rising pollution levels in the Yamuna River due to untreated effluents from Haryana and UP.

Environment Minister Gopal Rai echoed these concerns, noting that the smoke from UP buses is exacerbating Delhi's pollution.

He urged the UP government to conduct water sprinkling at the Kaushambi bus depot to mitigate the issue.

"The pollution level in Anand Vihar has been extremely high for the past 4-5 days. Diesel buses from Uttar Pradesh are significantly contributing to this problem," ANI reported quoting Rai.

The inspection comes as a layer of fog enveloped parts of the national capital on Sunday morning, with air pollution levels continuing to rise.

The AQI at various locations in Delhi, including Dwarka, ITO, Jahangirpuri, and Nehru Park, ranged from "poor" to "very poor."

The Central Pollution Control Board warns that AQI levels in the "severe" category can adversely affect healthy individuals and seriously impact those with pre-existing health conditions.

Prolonged exposure to "poor" and "very poor" AQI levels can cause respiratory discomfort and illness.

Additionally, toxic foam has been observed on the Yamuna River in the Kalindi Kunj area, further highlighting the urgent need for effective pollution control measures.

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