Minister distributes heaters to night security guards

The AAP-led Delhi Government on Tuesday launched a campaign to distribute electric heaters to night security guards, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai inaugurated the campaign at the Delhi Secretariat.

Rai provided electric heaters to security guards as part of the Winter Action Plan. He stated that all government departments have been instructed to supply heaters to their guards and employees working night shifts.

The 21-point Winter Action Plan was announced on September 25 to mitigate air pollution, with departments directed to work diligently to implement the plan on the ground. The 24-hour average air quality index for the national capital was recorded at 334.

“When reviewing pollution levels in Delhi and across northern India in recent years, the city’s AQI would typically exceed 400 from November 1 to November 15. There have been days when Delhi’s AQI even fell into the ‘severe plus’ category. However, this year, Delhi’s AQI has not yet entered the severe category.” Rai said.

He claimed it was mainly due to three factors -- long-term efforts through the Winter Action Plan, which includes immediate measures to control dust pollution, vehicle emissions, and biomass burning; the relatively warm temperature compared to previous years and third, a light breeze blowing intermittently.

“Previously, three factors combined after November 1—a drop in temperature, the rapid onset of smog, and additional pollution from Diwali fireworks—which exacerbated the pollution,” he said.

He further added, “So far, due to the efforts of Delhi’s residents, we have stayed out of the severe category, and we want all Delhi residents to continue their support in this way.”