*AAP Govt hits ground zero to tackle pollution; CM Atishi inspects Anand Vihar hotspot
*CM Atishi along with Environment Minister Gopal Rai inspects measures being taken to curb pollution at Anand Vihar bus terminal
*Large number of diesel buses and ongoing NCRTC construction are major contributors to pollution in Anand Vihar: CM Atishi
*Delhi government is taking strict measures to reduce pollution at Anand Vihar; multiple anti-smog guns deployed, and all roads in the area have been repaired
*Encroachments have been removed from traffic congestion points to ensure smooth flow and reduce pollution
*We will engage with the Uttar Pradesh government to take stringent measures to curb pollution; working together will help achieve results: CM Atishi
*Presence of Delhi’s Anand Vihar ISBT and UP’s Kaushambi Depot in the same vicinity reason behind pollution here: Gopal Rai
*Delhi buses are CNG and electric but Diesel buses from UP aggravating pollution: Gopal Rai
*Appeal to UP Govt to take pollution control steps at Kaushambi Depot: Gopal Rai
NEW DELHI -20th October 2024-In a bid to tackle pollution, Chief Minister Atishi took charge at ground zero on Sunday, accompanied by Environment Minister Gopal Rai. The inspection covered the Anand Vihar bus terminal and surrounding areas, identified as pollution hotspots in the city, to review the steps being taken to curb pollution there.
Anand Vihar, being an interstate bus terminal, sees a large influx of buses from other states, most of which run on diesel, thereby contributing significantly to pollution. Additionally, ongoing large-scale construction by NCRTC for the RRTS has further exacerbated the problem, making Anand Vihar a pollution hotspot.
Addressing the situation, CM Atishi stated, "Anand Vihar has become a pollution hotspot, but the Delhi government is taking strict measures to reduce pollution here. We have deployed multiple anti-smog guns around the bus terminal and its vicinity, repaired all surrounding roads, and removed encroachments from traffic congestion points to ensure smooth traffic flow."
Speaking to the media after the inspection, CM Atishi highlighted the rising pollution levels in Delhi, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) deteriorating. "The government is taking stringent measures to control pollution across Delhi," she said.
She elaborated on the government's efforts, noting that a dust control drive is being carried out with 99 teams inspecting various construction sites across the city. "The process of deploying 325 anti-smog guns across Delhi has also commenced. All agencies, whether PWD or MCD, are working tirelessly to combat pollution," she asserted.
CM Atishi emphasized that Anand Vihar is a border area between Delhi and Uttar Pradesh, with a significant number of buses arriving from outside Delhi. She pointed out, "Anand Vihar is one of the worst-affected areas in terms of AQI in Delhi. Today, I visited the site with Environment Minister Gopal Rai to assess the measures being taken to curb pollution here."
Detailing the steps taken, she mentioned, "Anti-smog guns are being used continuously, and roads are being kept moist to prevent dust from rising. All roads in the vicinity, irrespective of the agency responsible, have been repaired to eliminate potholes and curb dust pollution. We have also cleared encroachments from congestion points to reduce traffic and, consequently, pollution."
She remarked, "While Delhi now operates CNG and electric buses, just across the border at Kaushambi bus terminal in Uttar Pradesh, diesel buses are still in use. We will engage with the Uttar Pradesh government to implement stringent anti-pollution measures there."
Concluding her remarks, CM Atishi expressed optimism, saying, "We believe that if everyone comes together, we can certainly find a solution to this pollution problem.”
While, Environment Minister Gopal Rai stated, “This morning, we, along with the CM, reviewed the situation regarding air quality monitoring. The AQI fluctuates significantly, especially at two times—late at night and in the morning. The major reason appears to be the presence of two depots—one at Anand Vihar in Delhi and the other at Kaushambi in UP. While buses in Delhi are now running on CNG and electric, a large number of diesel buses from UP still operate at these depots. The smoke from these buses is impacting the AQI in the area. The fluctuations in AQI coincide with the times when these buses arrive and depart. I appeal to the UP government that just as we have taken measures here, if similar steps are taken at the Kaushambi depot, we should see positive results