High pollution level in Delhi caused by duststorms from Rajasthan

Speed Post News Network

New Delhi : The high pollution levels during this time of the year in Delhi are unusual and primarily due to duststorms from Rajasthan.  Rajasthan is facing extremely dry weather conditions with high temperatures and wind speeds.

The wind direction in Delhi since June 10, 2018, changed to West and North West and then since June 12 to West and South West, due to which hot air, along with dust from Rajasthan has started moving into Delhi.  According to Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), the current surface winds in Delhi are in the range of 5-6 m/sec and wind direction is West to South West, which is likely to continue over the next three days.  Therefore, it is expected that dusty conditions will prevail in Delhi over the next three days, according to a PIB release.

Major construction agencies, municipal corporations and Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) have been alerted to ensure water sprinkling, as required.

Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has requested Chief Secretary, Delhi, to issue appropriate instructions in the matter to the agencies concerned. Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) convened an urgent meeting of the Task Force regarding implementation of Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) on June 13, 2018, and issued necessary directions to contain local dust sources. The Task Force has also recommended that the people should avoid prolonged exposure.