As a dust blanket enveloped Delhi, Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said here on Thursday that he plans to meet various stakeholders dealing with issue to lower air and water pollution.
Steps to be considered include mandating use of precast materials for building construction in Delhi and implementation of the projects to clean the Yamuna. Use of water to wash roads and vacuum machines to absorb dust from roads will also be considered.
He said the plan would be finalised after meeting with Minister for Science and Technology Harshvardhan, the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, Anil Baijal, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, the Mayor and the Delhi Development Authority.
According to a PTI report, the air quality in Delhi remained beyond the ‘severe’ level for the third day on Thursday, as authorities warned that the dusty condition is likely to prevail for 3-4 more days and advised people against staying outdoors for long.
The air quality deteriorated because of dust storms in western India, particularly Rajasthan, which increased coarser particles in the air, the Central Pollution Control Board said.
The PM (particulate matter) 10 level – presence of particles with diameter less than 10 mm -- was beyond severe at 796 in DNCR and 830 in Delhi, leading to hazy conditions.
The strong wind blowing in the region has contributed to the spread of dust particles.
According to the Met Department, winds of up to 35 kmph can be expected in Delhi. The dust-laden winds have created a haze in Delhi-NCR since Wednesday.