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Delhi’s healthcare model sets national benchmark: Rai

December 19, 2024, 3:56 am

The Aam Aadmi Party-led Delhi government has inaugurated a new super specialty polyclinic in Babarpur, marking the fifth such facility under Guru Tegh Bahadur (GTB) Hospital. This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to providing top-quality healthcare for Delhi residents.
Delhi Cabinet Minister and area MLA Gopal Rai, who inaugurated the polyclinic, highlighted its role in the AAP government’s three-tier healthcare model, which integrates primary, secondary, and tertiary services. He noted that this model has proven to be highly effective in addressing public health needs and catering to a large population.
The Babarpur polyclinic offers a range of multi-specialty services, including internal medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, dermatology, ENT, ophthalmology, orthopedics, and bi-weekly surgery consultations. It also provides free medicines for allopathic, Unani, and Ayurvedic treatments.
Operating from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM, the polyclinic is equipped for minor surgical procedures, ECGs, and blood and urine tests. Diagnostic samples will be processed in collaboration with GTB Hospital, ensuring comprehensive support.
“This polyclinic serves as an extension of GTB Hospital,” said Minister Gopal Rai. “Doctors from GTB Hospital will be available here daily, with specialists attending on specific days. It also complements the nearby Mohalla Clinics by serving as a referral point for patients requiring advanced care.”
He further elaborated on the facilities, stating, “The polyclinic provides ECG, blood and urine tests, specialized consultations in medicine, gynecology, and general healthcare, along with free medicines for allopathic, Unani, and Ayurvedic treatments.”
The Delhi government plans to establish polyclinics in all major areas of the city, complementing its extensive network of Mohalla Clinics. In Babarpur alone, 15 Mohalla Clinics are operational, with more polyclinics being planned across the national capital to bring quality healthcare closer to residents’ homes.

Delhi Deploys 200 ‘Anti-Smog Guns’ to Combat Post-Diwali Pollution

November 1, 2024, 4:45 pm

In response to escalating air pollution in Delhi, Environment Minister Gopal Rai announced on Friday the deployment of 200 mobile anti-smog guns across the city. This initiative aims to mitigate the severe air quality deterioration observed post-Diwali celebrations.

Minister Rai highlighted that four days prior, Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) had surpassed 350, with expectations of it exceeding 400 following Diwali. However, due to collective efforts, the AQI stabilized at 360. He commended Delhi residents for their responsible behavior, particularly in refraining from bursting firecrackers, which significantly contributed to controlling pollution levels.

The deployment strategy involves assigning two mobile anti-smog guns to each of Delhi’s 70 assembly constituencies, operating in three shifts to ensure continuous water sprinkling. This measure is part of a broader water sprinkle campaign aimed at reducing airborne particulate matter.

Despite these efforts, several areas in Delhi recorded ‘very poor’ air quality levels. Anand Vihar reported an AQI of 395, Aya Nagar 352, Jahangirpuri 390, and Dwarka 376. Such levels pose significant health risks, particularly to vulnerable populations.

The pollution issue extends beyond Delhi, with cities like Chennai and Mumbai experiencing similar conditions. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data indicates that post-Diwali celebrations have led to substantial pollution levels nationwide, raising concerns about air quality and public health.

Minister Rai emphasized the government’s commitment to enhancing air quality measures, including increasing the frequency of water sprinkling across the capital. He expressed optimism that continued public cooperation and government initiatives would lead to improved air quality in the future.

The deployment of anti-smog guns is part of Delhi’s Winter Action Plan, which includes measures such as drone monitoring, an intensified anti-dust campaign, formation of task forces, and road-sweeping machines to combat air pollution. The plan focuses on 21 key areas and aims to address pollution sources comprehensively.

Additionally, the Delhi government has imposed a ban on the production, storage, sale, and use of firecrackers until January 1, aiming to curb pollution during the winter months. This measure is part of a series of actions taken annually to address New Delhi’s severe air quality issues.

Despite these efforts, challenges remain. The enforcement of firecracker bans has been difficult, with many residents defying the restrictions during Diwali celebrations. This defiance has contributed to hazardous air quality levels, with the AQI reaching 348, according to Swiss firm IQ Air.

The government continues to urge residents to cooperate with pollution control measures and adopt environmentally friendly practices to improve air quality. Public awareness campaigns and community engagement are being emphasized to foster a collective effort in combating air pollution.

Also read: WATCH| Bangladesh Charges 18 Hindus with Sedition

In conclusion, while the deployment of anti-smog guns and other measures represent significant steps towards addressing Delhi’s air pollution crisis, sustained public cooperation and comprehensive policy implementation are essential to achieve long-term improvements in air quality.

‘Tonight Matters’: Gopal Rai Urges Delhi Residents To Celebrate Diwali Responsibly Amid Pollution Worries

October 31, 2024, 12:36 pm

Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Monday appealed to people not to burst firecrackers on Diwali eve, as the night would be crucial not to aggravate pollution levels.
This is because the Air Quality Index in Delhi has also shown a rise and the government is keeping a close eye on firecracker usage, Rai said.

Banning firecrackers from all departments comprehensively, it is a three-pronged attack by the Government of Delhi on manufacture, sales, and use of firecrackers. Rai said, *”In some places, the AQI has increased but tonight is very important.”. If we try to come together and do one thing that we will celebrate Diwali only with diyas, share sweets, and not have problems with children and old people in our homes through crackers. He said, “We will address those firecracker violations too, but the collective duty remains to protect public health.

Rai said that to enforce the ban, 377 teams are being sent to work with local organizations to spread awareness. The police is posted in every nook and corner of the city while the violators would face legal action under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), PTI reported.

Former Delhi Chief Minister and AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday also joined the appeal to have a pollution-free Diwali. He requested citizens to light diyas instead of firecrackers. Kejriwal said, “Even the Supreme Court and High Court say that in view of the pollution, we should not burst crackers; we should light diyas. This is the festival of lights and not fireworks.

The city’s Air Quality Index Thursday morning classified Delhi as “very poor,” while Anand Vihar tumbled into the “severe” category. Local emission, firecracker pollution, and regional stubble burning are forecasted to impact the air quality, according to a trend that rises between early to mid-November due to crop burning in neighboring states of Punjab and Haryana.

DELHI GOVT APPROVES 100 PROJECTS WORTH RS 93 CRORE FOR VILLAGES

October 12, 2024, 1:24 am

The Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government approved 100 projects worth Rs 93 crore on Friday, October 11, 2024, aimed at boosting development in Delhi’s villages. The decision was made during a meeting of the Delhi Gram Vikas Board, chaired by Delhi’s Development Minister, Gopal Rai, at the Delhi Secretariat.

The Delhi Gram Vikas Board cleared 100 schemes to enhance infrastructure in the capital’s rural areas. These projects, costing Rs 93 crore, will focus on roads, drainage systems, water bodies, community centers, parks, crematoriums, and playgrounds. Officials were instructed to ensure timely completion of these initiatives. Concerns about pending and new proposals were raised during the meeting. In response, Gopal Rai reiterated that the government had formed the Delhi Gram Vikas Board to accelerate the development of Delhi’s villages. He emphasized the approval of 100 new projects, aiming to enhance amenities in rural areas. Additionally, department officials were directed to process the related files within the stipulated timeframe.

The Development Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving basic amenities for both urban and rural residents of Delhi. He announced that 100 benches would be installed in larger villages, with 20 benches in smaller ones. These development projects, under the Development Department, will be executed by the Irrigation and Flood Control Department in coordination with the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD).

Aam Aadmi Party Unveils “Washing Machine Ka Kaala Jaadu” Campaign

May 14, 2024, 1:43 pm

Amidst the ongoing Lok Sabha election, the Aam Aadmi Party has recently unveiled a new campaign titled ”Washing Machine Ka Kaala Jaadu” on Tuesday.

This campaign aims to inform common people about the prevailing country’s situation.

Watch Here:-

दिल्ली की स्वास्थ्य व्यवस्था को सुधारने और मोहल्ला क्लीनिक बनवाने वाले सत्येंद्र जैन को फर्ज़ी मामले में ऐसे भेजा गया जेल ? pic.twitter.com/jpbt21IG8P

— AAP (@AamAadmiParty) May 14, 2024

During the campaign’s launch, Delhi’s state convener of AAP Gopal Rai has recently retorted, that BJP claims, they are fighting against corruption. But he further said, they’ll now expose these claims in front of the people.

Demonstrating how this alleged machine works, Saurabh Bhardwaj alleged that earlier, BJP ran a campaign for six months alleging Himanta Biswa Sharma’s involvement in the Sardha scam. but after changing the party, all his sins were forgiven.

Usually, opposition parties frequently criticize the BJP for inducting individuals such as Ajit Pawar, Ashok Chavan, and Himanta Biswa Sarma in their party, who have previously faced corruption allegations, thereby labeling the ruling party as the “Washing Machine Party/Sarkar.”

AAP’s Performance In Previous Lok Sabha Elections

Meanwhile, in the previous Lok Sabha election 2019, all the seven seats of Delhi were won by Bhartiya Janta Party.

In 2014 too, the results were the same in Delhi. Notably, AAP hasn’t won any Lok Sabha seat till now.

However, despite their dismal numbers in 2019, AAP still managed to win 62 out of 70 seats 2020’s Delhi Assembly Elections.

Gopal Rai: AAP’s ‘Jail Ka Jawab Vote Se’ Campaign Enters Next Stage, Set to Roll Out on May 13

May 8, 2024, 5:42 pm

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is gearing up to launch the next stage of its ‘Jail Ka Jawab Vote Se’ campaign ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. Gopal Rai, a leader of the party, announced that this phase will commence on May 13, focusing on the four Delhi Lok Sabha constituencies where AAP candidates are contesting. This upcoming phase will include various events like ‘Mahila Samvad’ (dialogue with women) and Trade Town Hall discussions.

The campaign centers around AAP’s protest against the arrest of Arvind Kejriwal, the party’s national convenor and Delhi Chief Minister, in connection with an alleged Delhi excise policy scam. AAP aims to challenge the actions of central agencies by rallying strong support through votes for the party.

Rai explained that the campaign has already seen activities such as door-to-door outreach, Sankalp Sabha gatherings, and roadshows featuring Sunita Kejriwal, Arvind Kejriwal’s wife. Now, moving into the next phase from May 13 to May 23, AAP intends to intensify its efforts to raise awareness and garner support against Kejriwal’s arrest, as quoted by PTI.

Delhi’s air quality slightly improves but remains in ‘poor’ category

December 6, 2023, 11:19 am

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Air Quality Index (AQI) for all of Delhi improved marginally from “very poor” on Tuesday to “poor” on Wednesday morning. The AQI at Anand Vihar was 291 on Wednesday, the IGI airport area was 279, the ITO was 252, and the Narela area was 283, according to CPCB data. The India Meteorological Department has forecast that there won’t be any rain in the nation’s capital until December 11. All throughout the city, there will be clear skies and light to moderate fog in the morning. The Air Quality Index (AQI) in several parts of Delhi fell into the “very poor” category earlier on Tuesday.

Delhi has been experiencing air quality in the range of ‘severe’ to ‘very poor’ over the last few weeks.
Light rains lashed several parts of Delhi-NCR on Sunday, bringing respite to citizens breathing high levels of air pollution.
Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai last week said that Grap-3 has been lifted in the national capital but the government is trying to ensure that Grap-1 and 2 are strictly implemented.

“Due to the change in weather during the last two days, there has been a decline in pollution. Commission for Air Quality Management has lifted the restrictions of Grap-3. The ban on BS-3 petrol and BS-4 diesel vehicles and the ban on construction demolition have been lifted. GRAP 3 is imposed when AQI is 400, but it continued despite low AQI because fluctuations were visible in AQI after Diwali. If the wind speed slows down, AQI may increase again, hence GRAP-1 and GRAP-2 should be strictly implemented. For this, directions are being given to all the departments again,” Gopal Rai said.

Delhi air quality still classified in ‘poor’ category

November 29, 2023, 11:23 am

This morning on Wednesday, the National Capital’s air quality index is still classified as “poor.” The AQI values at 7 a.m. in Ashok Vihar and the Alipur area were 288 and 260, respectively, indicating “poor” air quality, according to official data. 184, or “moderate,” was the AQI recorded by Aya Nagar in the ITO Delhi, while 381 for the ITO Delhi, or “very poor,” was the AQI. The Indira Gandhi International Airport (T3) also had an AQI of 232, which is considered “poor.”

The air pollution in the National Capital had improved slightly on Tuesday morning following light rainfall in several parts of the Delhi-National Capital Region on Monday.
The air quality index from 0 to 100 is considered ‘good’, 100 to 200 ‘moderate’, 200 to 300 ‘poor’, 300 to 400 ‘very poor’ and from 400 to 500 or above ‘severe’.
Meanwhile,Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Tuesday advised citizens to remain cautious, although the air quality improved after the rain on Monday.

According to Gopal Rai, the minister of the environment in Delhi, “A few days ago, Delhi’s AQI had risen to the ‘Severe’ category. The city saw some light rain on Monday, which has improved the pollution situation. The variation will continue. I ask everyone in Delhi and the NCR to exercise caution.” Gopal Rai went on to say that although stubble burning had stopped in Punjab, the NCR region’s activities were still significantly affecting pollution at the time.

Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai: Air quality is anticipated to improve in next two days

November 26, 2023, 1:01 pm

Due to an increase in wind speed and the likelihood of rain, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai expressed optimism on Sunday that the air quality would continue to improve over the next two days. Minister for the Environment in Delhi, Gopal Rai, stated: “Pollution has increased over the past two to three days, but we have left the “severe category” as of today.” It is expected that the wind speed will increase starting today, and rain is also likely. The air quality improvement that has been observed since today will continue to rise and will be further enhanced over the next two days.

Environment Minister Rai further said on Saturday there have been only 29 incidents of stubble burning.
“Supreme Court had given directions regarding actions to be taken on the ground level for a reduction in Delhi air pollution. The government is working on it with full force. I would also like to tell the people of Delhi that the pollution in north India as of today includes very few incidents of stubble burning…Now, pollution is rising in the north NCR area due to local pollution sources. I would like to urge that the manner in which GRAP III has been strictly implemented in Delhi, there should be regular monitoring in NCR too,” Gopal Rai added.

Rai went on to say that burning biomass was another source of pollution in the area. Since local sources are to blame for the current pollution, the contribution of burning biomass is evident. It is traveling to Delhi from the NCR. I believe that we need to work together, and the weather variations are also offering opportunities to improve the quality of the air,” he continued.

Delhi’s air quality slightly improves to an AQI of 393

November 26, 2023, 10:29 am

The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) for the National Capital is 393, which indicates that air pollution levels are still in the “very poor” category. Ananad Vihar and Ashok Vihar recorded an AQI of 433 and 434, respectively, according to official data taken at 7:00 am on Sunday. Comparably, Bawana’s AQI was 437, and Jahangirpuri’s AQI was 450, both of which were in the severe range. The IGI airport recorded an AQI of 360 (very poor), while the ITO in Delhi recorded an AQI of 382 (very poor).

The Air Quality Index from 0 to 100 is considered ‘good’, 100 to 200 ‘moderate’, 200 to 300 ‘poor’, 300 to 400 ‘very poor’ and from 400 to 500 or above ‘severe’.
Following a significant improvement in the overall AQI in the national capital last week, the CAQM (Commission for Air Quality Management) revoked the restrictions that were imposed under GRAP 4, permitting trucks and buses except for BS-3 and BS-4 petrol and diesel vehicles to enter the city and lifting the ban on ongoing construction activities.

Nonetheless, the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)’sstages1 through 3 restrictions persisted. Gopal Rai, the minister of environment in Delhi, chaired a meeting on Friday to discuss the city’s rising pollution levels.

“Some increase in the pollution of Delhi has been noted. We had a meeting regarding it. The incidents of stubble burning are very few now, and the level of pollution is still increasing. Scientists reported 2-3 factors for this. The first is that vehicle pollution’s contribution is 36 percent. The second factor is biomass burning. We made some major decisions after seeing this, Gopal Rai said.

Gopal Rai Calls Review Meeting with Delhi Pollution Control Committee Today

November 24, 2023, 1:14 pm

In light of the prevailing pollution, Environment Minister Gopal Rai will hold a review meeting with officials from the Environment Department and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) on Friday. While speaking to ANI, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai said that due to the increasing pollution, a meeting has been convened today with the DPCC and officials to review the situation and discuss further steps that can be taken.

“For the past few days, the wind speed in Delhi has reduced, leading to an increase in pollution. Seeing that, we have convened a meeting today with the DPCC and officials to review the situation and discuss further steps that can be taken,” he told ANI.
The air quality in the national capital continued to hover in the ‘very poor’ category on Friday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at over 350 in several areas, according to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR-India).

The overall AQI for the capital was 388 at 7.55 a.m. on Friday. As of 7.55 a.m., the AQI in the Pusa area was 403, while IIT Delhi had an AQI of 579. Furthermore, the AQI in the Lodhi Road area was 359, while the AQIs in the Delhi University and Airport (Terminal-3) areas were 386 and 398, respectively.

Following a significant improvement in the overall AQI in the national capital last week, the CAQM (Commission for Air Quality Management) lifted the restrictions imposed under GRAP 4 on Saturday, allowing trucks and buses to enter the city except for BS-3 and BS-4 petrol and diesel vehicles and lifting the ban on ongoing construction activities. Previously, on Tuesday last week, the Supreme Court proposed that farmers who engage in stubble burning be denied MSP benefits as part of the economic consequences of their actions.

The observation was made by the Supreme Court during a hearing on a petition concerning rising air pollution in Delhi-NCR.

Delhi’s air quality is still classified as “very poor,” with an AQI of 310

November 20, 2023, 10:51 am

With an AQI of 310, the national capital’s air quality remained “very poor” on Monday morning. At 8:30 am on Monday, the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR-India) reported Delhi’s air quality index at 310, which is classified as “very poor.” The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) recorded data at 7:00 am on Monday, showing that the air quality index at Anand Vihar was 361; at Alipur, it was 368; at Ashok Vihar, it was 342; at ITO, Delhi, it was 318; and at RK Puram, it was 344, all of which were classified as “very poor.”

A day after restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) – 4 were lifted in Delhi following improvement in the air quality, Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Sunday urged people to be careful and continue to follow the rules as stages 1, 2, and 3 of GRAP are still in place to tackle air pollution in the national capital.
Gopal Rai said, “Though there has been a constant improvement in air quality, people still need to be aware in order to maintain this improvement.”
“There has been constant improvement in pollution levels over the last two days. The AQI as of today has reached 290. I want to request the people of Delhi and North India to remain vigilant. Although there has been improvement in pollution, we still need to be cautious. Before Diwali, the AQI had reached 215, but the carelessness that followed led to an increase in the AQI after Diwali,” he said on Sunday.

Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai Calls for Urgent Review Meeting on Rising Pollution

November 13, 2023, 11:47 am

Delhi’s Environment Minister, Gopal Rai, has summoned a crucial pollution review meeting with the officers of the Environment Department at the Delhi Secretariat on Monday. The move follows the persistently alarming Air Quality Index (AQI) in several areas of Delhi-NCR, ranging from ‘severe’ to ‘severe plus’ for the past several days.

Expressing concern over the post-Diwali scenario, Minister Rai highlighted the need to address the worsening air quality. The review meeting, scheduled for 12 pm on Monday, will focus on the comprehensive status of different enforcement measures implemented to combat pollution.

Despite the Delhi government’s ban on firecrackers and the ‘Diya Jalao, Patakhe nahi’ campaign, Delhi woke up to a thick layer of smog on Monday. Videos and pictures from various parts of the city showed reduced visibility, complicating the situation for residents.

Congress MP Manish Tewari and Trinamool Congress MP Saket Gokhale raised concerns on social media about firecrackers being burst, with Tewari questioning the effectiveness of the Supreme Court’s ban. In response to the escalating pollution crisis, the AAP government recently imposed a complete ban on firecrackers and considered ‘artificial rain’ as a solution.

The data on pollution in the past week has revealed a grave situation, with PM 2.5 concentrations exceeding 20 times the World Health Organization’s limit. The government has taken stringent measures, including the closure of primary classes and restrictions on truck entry.

Delhi air pollution: Environment Minister Gopal Rai convenes a ministerial meeting today

November 9, 2023, 12:32 pm

As the city’s air quality remained in the severe category, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai called a meeting of all government ministers this afternoon to discuss possible actions.

The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) in the National Capital continues to be in the ‘severe’ category, as per the data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Toxic smog continued to persist over several parts of the city on Thursday morning.
As per the Office of the Environment Minister, the meeting will be attended by Finance and Revenue Minister Atishi, Health Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj, Transport Minister Kailash Gehlot, Social Welfare Minister Rajkumar Anand and Food and Supply Minister Imran Hussain.
The meeting will be held at the Delhi Secretariat at 12:30 p.m.

“In view of the serious situation of pollution in Delhi, Environment Minister Gopal Rai called a meeting of all the ministers of Delhi,” officials said.

The System of Air Quality Forecasting and Research (SAFAR-India) released data showing that the AQI in Anand Vihar was 432 (severe category), and 453 (severe category) in the RK Puram area. While ITO is at 441 (severe category), Punjab Bagh’s air quality was measured at 444 (severe category).

The Supreme Court on Tuesday expressed grave concern over the hazardous air quality in the national capital and directed that farmers should stop stubble burning forthwith in Punjab, Haryana, and western Uttar Pradesh, saying it was one of the major contributors to air pollution.
It also observed that schemes like odd-even for vehicles to tackle pollution issues mere optics.

Delhi to implement odd-even vehicle norms from November 13 to 20 to curb pollution

November 6, 2023, 4:54 pm

The Delhi government made the decision on Monday to reinstate the odd-even rule from November 13 to November 20 due to worries about the quality of the air declining. Following a high-level meeting, Delhi Environment, Forest, and Wildlife Minister Gopal Rai informed the media that the decision will take effect one day after Diwali, which is observed on November 12, and last for a week. He stated that a choice about expanding the odd-even rule would be made at a later time.

“In view of air pollution, the odd-even vehicle system will be applicable for one week from 13th to 20th November…,” Gopal Rai said.
He said there is a possibility that the wind speed will increase on November 7, 8 which is expected to reduce the level of pollution.
“As per the forecast, the wind speed will be 12km/hour tomorrow, 7th November and if the speed reaches 10 to 12 km/hour, then there is a possibility that the level of pollution accumulated here might disperse. Similarly, the wind speed will be 8-10 km/hour on 8th November. It is expected that the speed of wind will increase on November 7 and 8 November which will reduce the level of pollution…,” he said.

The Delhi government has implemented a traffic rationing scheme called odd-even scheme, which permits vehicles with registration numbers ending in odd digits on odd dates and even digits on even dates. The System of Air Quality Forecasting and Research (SAFAR-India) reported that the National Capital’s air quality was 488 today, up from 410 the previous day. In order to stop the further deterioration of the air quality, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) decided on Sunday to implement Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) throughout the entire National Capital Region (NCR) with immediate effect.

Diesel buses from other states banned from entering Delhi-NCR

October 30, 2023, 3:26 pm

Environment Minister Gopal Rai announced on Monday that all diesel buses operating in Delhi-NCR that are coming from other states will not be allowed to enter after November 1 due to the city’s worsening air quality.

Environment Minister Gopal Rai said, “The Delhi government is working on all the parameters under the winter action plan. Last year, the AQI on October 29 was 397, and yesterday it was 325. So there has been an improvement. We are trying to improve it further. The next 15 days are very important, and we are preparing for them. All the industrial units in Delhi have been shifted from polluted fuel to natural gas. We have formed teams to monitor if anyone is using polluted fuel. The ‘Red Light on, Gaadi off’ campaign is voluntary. I appeal to the people of Delhi to turn off their vehicle’s engine when there is a red signal.”

He added that as of November 1, all outside-of-Delhi-NCR diesel buses will be required to switch to alternative fuels. Rai previously urged the Center to implement strict prohibitions on buses using poor diesel and to outlaw BS III and BS IV buses that travel through the National Capital Region (NCR) of Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana. In line with the Delhi Government’s initiatives to combat vehicle pollution, the Minister carried out an unexpected inspection of the Kashmiri Gate ISBT for diesel buses arriving from the NCR states.

Delhi: 8 more pollution hotspots identified,next 2 weeks crucial, according to minister Gopal Rai

October 23, 2023, 3:37 pm

Gopal Rai, the environment minister for Delhi, stated on Monday that the city’s next two weeks are crucial because of the festivals of Dussehra and Deepavali as well as the impact of farm fires. The city has implemented phase two of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to combat the “very poor” air quality. Earlier today, Rai presided over a meeting at the Delhi Secretariat to assess the state of Delhi-NCR’sairquality. He announced that special teams would be sent to locate and examine local sources of pollution.

Rai also said that the Delhi government had reached out to neighbouring states on stubble burning, which contributed to the high levels of pollution. “We have spoken to the environment ministers of the surrounding states and they have assured that they will take action on stubble burning… Due to Diwali, stubble and Dussehra, the next 10 to 15 days are very crucial for Delhi…” Rai said.

After today’s meeting, the environment minister spoke to the media and announced that eight additional pollution hotspots in addition to the current 13 had been found in the city. He also announced the deployment of a special team to locate and examine regional sources of pollution. In Delhi, there are 13 high-pollution areas. Due to regional factors, the AQI was above 300 today at 8 other locations, including Shadipur, Mandir Marg, Patparganj, Sonia Vihar, and Moti Bagh. Special teams will be sent here to locate and examine any nearby sources of pollution, according to Gopal Rai.

The overall air quality in the national capital on Monday morning was recorded in the ‘Very Poor category’, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) at 306 against 302 recorded on Sunday afternoon, as per SAFAR-India.
The overall air quality in the National Capital deteriorated from the ‘poor’ category to the ‘very poor’ category, with the Air Quality Index at 302 on Sunday afternoon, as per data from SAFAR-India.

“Second phase of GRAP implemented in Delhi to reduce pollution,” Gopal Rai

October 23, 2023, 11:04 am

Environment Minister Gopal Rai stated on Monday that the second phase of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) has been implemented in Delhi to lessen the effects of increased pollution in the national capital, despite Delhi’s air quality continuing to remain in the “very poor” category with an AQI of 306. The environment minister also mentioned that all the relevant departments will meet on Monday at 12 p.m. to discuss the implementation of the GRAP phase 2 in Delhi.

“The cold has started increasing in Delhi and the speed of the wind has decreased, this may result in an increase in pollution… The particulate matter is staying near the ground. The second phase of GRAP has been implemented in Delhi… A meeting has been called with all the concerned departments to discuss the execution of the GRAP phase 2,” Rai told .

“The weather is not in our hands but the sources need to be controlled so that the effect of pollution on the health of the people is reduced as much as possible,” the Environment Minister added.

Gopal Rai responded that the focus of GRAP 2 is primarily on cleaning and water sprinkling when asked about the measures being taken to reduce pollution in the national capital.

“A meeting has been called at 12 pm today… We have spoken to the environment ministers of the surrounding states and they have assured us that they will take action on stubble burning… Due to Diwali, stubble and Dussehra, the next 10 to 15 days are very crucial for Delhi,” Rai added.

Centre grants political clearance to Gopal Rai to travel to USA

September 15, 2023, 6:04 pm

The Central Government on Friday given Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai political permission to travel to the United States of America to attend the Columbia India Energy Dialogue, which will be held in New York on September 18.

Minister Gopal Rai has filed an appeal with the Delhi High Court against a central government ruling refusing him permission to travel to New York for the Columbia India Energy Dialogue.
On Friday, the Bench of Justice Subramonium Prasad dismissed the petition, noting Solicitor General Tushar Mehta’s testimony that political clearance has been granted for Rai’s travel from September 15 to September 21.

Gopal Rai had sought the Court’s immediate indulgence in stating that his official request to attend the program at the Columbia India Energy Dialogue, which is being held in New York, United States of America on September 18, had been denied vide order dated 12.09.2023 by assigning arbitrary and malafide reasons that since the Government official Suman Kumar Berry, Vice Chairman, NITI Ayog, (minister rank), is going to represent at the Dialogue, therefore visit from the Government is not required.

The plea also stated that the invitation is specific for different persons representing different stakeholders and does not intend to confine delegates at the national level only for the formal representation of the country, so the reason cited above is nothing more than a shady exercise of power and thus illegal in law.

‘For us, it’s not just huge win, it’s huge responsibility too’, says Sisodia

December 7, 2022, 3:18 pm

After registering a win in the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) on Wednesday Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) ends the Bharatiya Janata Party’s 15-year reign.

Meanwhile, after gaining the majority Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia slammed BJP on Wednesday and said, “BJP didn’t work.”

“We thank the people of the city for trusting us with MCD. The people of the national capital have helped defeat the most corrupt and most negative party of the world for a glorious win to Arvind Kejriwal,” Sisodia said.

Taking to Twitter Sisodia tweeted, “For us, it’s not just a huge win, it’s a huge responsibility too.”

While addressing a gathering AAP’s Gopal Rai said, “The BJP used to say that our party is here to just cut votes and we only here to defeat Congress. Multiple raids were carried out, targeting us. When we used to raise civic issues, they used to allege scams. They even targeted Manish Sisodia. The people of the city have now spoken.”

It was the neck-and-neck contest between Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Aam Aadmi Paty (AAP), AAP gained a majority in the Municipal Corporation of Delhi elections on Wednesday.

The Aam Aadmi Paty (AAP) leads in 134 seats, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 103 seats, Congress in 10 seats, and Others in 3 seats

After winning in the MCD elections Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday thanked the people of Delhi and said, “Thanks to the people of Delhi for this grand victory and many congratulations to all. Now all of us together have to make Delhi clean and beautiful.”

The counting of the votes started from 8 am onwards for the Municipal Corporation of Delhi election.

Delhi State Election Commission has geared up for the counting of votes for the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) election on Wednesday.

Earlier on 4 December, the MCD elections were held in the national capital where 50 percent voter turnout and a total of 1,349 candidates were in the fray for 250 wards.

However, in the MCD elections, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP will rule the municipal corporation of the national capital for the first time.

Delhi govt bans construction work to prevent air pollution

October 30, 2022, 4:51 pm

Gopal Rai, the environment minister for Delhi, declared on Sunday that the AAP government has decided to implement the CAQM order, which forbade development and demolition work in the national capital.

“According to weather experts, the wind speed will be 4-5 kmph from November 1 and it is predicted that the air quality index (AQI) might cross 400 (severe). We had a meeting with all construction authorities – PWD, MCD, Railways, DDA – and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee today, and decided to implement the CAQM order,” Rai said at a press conference.

Rai also said to monitor the implementation, the government has formed a strong monitoring system. “It has set up 586 teams comprising officials of different departments,” he said.

These teams will keep an eye on how the prohibition on building and demolition work is being carried out.

Rai said the construction ban will not be applicable to projects concerning national security, defence, railways and metro rail among others.

Stage III calls for the stringent enforcement of a ban on construction and demolition activity in the NCR, with the exception of necessary projects and non-polluting work like plumbing, carpentry, interior design, and electrical work.

Housing projects in Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurugram, and other places may be impacted by the decision. There will be no mining permitted in the area.

Rai asked the Yogi Adityanath administration to operate CNG buses in Delhi-NCR, blaming the diesel buses from Uttar Pradesh for the city’s increased pollution.

On Sunday morning, Delhi’s air quality was classified as “extremely poor,” and forecasters warned that a slow wind speed and a spike in stubble burning, particularly in Punjab, may cause it to become “severe.”

At nine in the morning, Delhi’s total air quality index (AQI) was 367. On Saturday, the AQI was 397, the lowest it had been since January. On Thursday, it was 354, on Wednesday, 271, on Tuesday, and on Monday, it was 302. (Diwali).

The capital’s most polluted area was Anand Vihar (AQI 468). Among the monitoring stations that noted “severe” air quality were Wazirpur (412), Vivek Vihar (423) and Jahangirpuri (407)

The percentage of stubble burning in Delhi’s air pollution increased to 21% on Saturday, the highest level so far this year, according to SAFAR, a forecasting organisation under the Union Ministry of Earth Sciences.

It may increase up to 40 per cent on Sunday and push the air quality into the severe zone, Gufran Beig, the founder project director of SAFAR said.

Delhi Environment Minister flags off 150 mobile smog guns to curb air pollution

October 25, 2022, 4:12 pm

Gopal Rai, Delhi’s Environment Minister, on Tuesday, flagged off 150 mobile smog guns from Delhi Secretariat, in view of the pollution in the national capital.

“The day after Diwali has recorded the lowest pollution in the last five years. “There has been a reduction of 30 percent in pollution compared to last year itself,” he said while sharing the figures from the last five years. The environment minister congratulated the citizens for their efforts towards keeping pollution under control.
“The festival of Diwali was celebrated with great pomp yesterday, but I want to congratulate the people of Delhi that, due to your efforts, the level of pollution has not increased today compared to every year. Today is the lowest level of pollution in the last five years. Last year it was 462, but today it has come down to 323. That is, there is a shortfall of about thirty percent, “he said.

Gopal Rai continued by saying that while some people have burst firecrackers, it is anticipated that over time, their level of awareness will rise as well. Since Delhi’s AQI is currently at 323 and rising due to the growing amount of frost. Therefore, attempts are still being made.

“Today we are starting 150 mobile smog guns. Last year we started 10 such smog guns. Out of these 150 mobile smog guns, two smog guns will be installed in every assembly of Delhi, i.e., a total of 70 assemblies, and the rest will be installed at pollution hot spots. “A mobile smog gun will hold seven thousand liters of water and will cover an area of ten km on one side,” he added.

On the incidents of stubble burning in Punjab and the questions being raised by the opposition BJP, Gopal Rai said, “The Punjab government has made efforts despite the centre not cooperating and its effect is also visible. Last year, on the day of Diwali, there were 3032 incidents of stubble burning in Punjab. Stubble was burnt at 228 places in Haryana and 123 in UP”.

Gopal Rai continued by saying that this year, just 1019 instances of burning stubble on Diwali were reported in Punjab, but the number climbed in Haryana and UP. This year, there were 250 burn sites for stubble in Haryana and 215 in UP.
He responded, “We are grateful that the wind is blowing, but it is absolutely not linked to the wind,” in response to inquiries about whether specialists have linked the direction of the wind to the drop in pollution levels in Delhi.

Delhi Minister Gopal Rai convenes a meeting for Lumpy virus

September 10, 2022, 12:59 pm

In response to the virus causing lumpy skin disease, Delhi Minister Gopal Rai has scheduled a meeting of the involved departments on Saturday.

The discussion will cover the steps to take to safeguard animals in the nation’s capital against the virus, which has only been identified in cows and buffaloes. Consuming meat or using milk from animals who do not exhibit Lumpy symptoms poses no risk to humans. Animals with Lumpy can be healed, but the virus can still influence the milk from those animals.

According to research, cattle are susceptible to the viral ailment lumpy skin disease. It is spread by ticks or other insects that feed on blood, such as some types of flies, mosquitoes, and ticks. It can result in the death of the cattle and also cause fever and skin nodules.

On August 10, Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Narendra Singh Tomar introduced the indigenous vaccine Lumpi-ProVac to prevent livestock against Lumpy skin disease, offering relief to the nation’s livestock.

The vaccine has been developed by the National Equine Research Center, Hisar (Haryana) in collaboration with the Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izzatnagar (Bareilly). Ever since the disease came to India in 2019, research institutes have been engaged in developing the vaccine.

Complete ban on firecrackers extended to 1 January, 2023 by the Delhi govt.

September 7, 2022, 12:17 pm

To contain the pollution during the festival season, Delhi environment minister Gopal Rai on Wednesday announced that the ban on production, sale, and use of all types of firecrackers will be extended to 1 January, 2023. Rai said that the ban has also been extended to their online sales or purchases.

Rai tweeted, “Production, storage, sale and use of all types of firecrackers are being completely banned so that people’s lives can be saved.” He said, “Online sale/delivery of firecrackers will also be banned in Delhi this time. The restriction will remain in force till 1 January, 2023. “

The minister also said that an action plan will be drawn up with the Delhi Pollution Control Committee, Delhi Police, and Revenue Department to ensure strict enforcement of the ban.

Last year, in wake of coronavirus disease pandemic and Delhi’s deteriorating air quality, the Delhi government had ordered a complete ban on sale and bursting firecrackers, including “green crackers”, in the national capital from 28 September to 1 January, 2022.

In order to create awareness against the bursting of firecrackers, the AAP has also launched the ‘patakhe nahi diye jalao’ campaign.