New Delhi [India], Nov. 7 : As the thick smog continues to hover over Delhi with visibility level reaching low, Delhiites are now regretting burning fire crackers this Diwali, which was significant towards the massive drop in the air levels.
Acknowledging that the government alone should not be hold responsible, locals are now lamenting over the fact that they should have pay heed to the former's request.
"It would be wrong to hold the government responsible. We are equal culprits in this. Had we not burnt firecrackers, we wouldn't have been suffering from this smog," a local told ANI. "The responsibility falls on us, we should have reduced fire-works during this Diwali and instead we should have lit lamps," another local said.
A week has passed since Diwali ended, but the national capital is still feeling the brunt of it as the air quality has stayed at 'severe' level.
In the backdrop of deteriorating air quality in the national capital and the adjoining states, Environment Ministers of Delhi and all neighbouring states will today meet in New Delhi.
The meeting has been convened by the Union Environment Minister Anil Dave. He said, his ministry is also exploring the possibility of calling a meeting of Chief Ministers of all neighbouring states on the problem.
The meeting will discuss immediate, short-term and long-term measures to combat the alarming air pollution in the city.
Delhi Chief Minister, PWD Minister, Environment and Forest Minister, Chief Secretary, NDMC Chairman and all three Municipal Commissioners among others will attend the meeting.
Delhi government has already closed schools in the national capital till Wednesday. All construction and digging works has been stopped for five days. Coal-based Badarpur Power Plant will also be closed for 10 days, as it is considered to be one of the major contributors of pollution.
In the NCR region, authorities in Gurugram and NOIDA have also announced a series of measures. Gurugram District Administration has imposed Section 144 of CrPC and banned openly burning of waste, garbage and other materials.
Gautam Buddha Nagar District Magistrate has announced two-day off for the Nursery, Class-I and Class-II students.
For the rest, classes will be held from 9 AM to 1 PM. All outdoor activities have also been suspended for two days in these schools..
Source: ANI