Air quality fluctuating, being monitored constantly: Rai

NEW DELHI: Amid the growing concern over the air pollution, the Delhi government on Monday said that scientists in the environment department were "constantly monitoring" the pollution level in the national capital where the air quality index has been "fluctuating" in the last 48 hours.

"The chief minister and the Cabinet are in "constant touch" with environmental scientists, who are continuously monitoring the pollution level," said Gopal Rai, the development minister of Delhi. The report for the last 48 hours given by the scientists showed that the air quality was fluctuating, he added. Talking about reopening of schools, Rai told Millennium Post: "If the condition deteriorates then we might close down the schools and for all these decisions we have appointed scientists who are keeping a tab on the condition, depending on their report, we are taking every decision."

The minister also said that movement of trucks and construction works were under scrutiny and the sprinkling of water will be intensified.

Meanwhile, the government met the representative of the "Pawan Hans" and officials of the aviation department to decide an action plan on the aerial sprinkling of water. Gopal Rai said, "We are happy that Pawan Hans has accepted our proposal and we hope that aerial sprinkling of water will take place soon."

Rai also hit out at the Haryana government for "playing the blame game on stubble burning instead of taking action in his own state". Asked about the allegation made by the Haryana government as to what the AAP government was doing for Delhi farmers, he said, "We have been doing more than we can."

"In Haryana and other states, the crop is cut from the top using technology, so it leaves a long stubble which needs burning for removal. In Delhi, our farmers cut crops from the roots. And, have you seen any visual on TV or photos in newspapers of Delhi farmers resorting to stubble burning," he said.

Rai further took on the Centre, over the issue, referring to a media report that the Union government allegedly "did not release funds" to states in north India, meant for farmers to dissuade them from stubble burning.

The national capital has been experiencing dense smog for about a week, forcing authorities to enforce emergency measures such as banning construction activities and brick kilns in the National Capital Region.