Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Dec 20: Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa on Saturday warned that the national capital is likely to witness “bad weather” due to an approaching western disturbance from the evening, even as air quality remained in the ‘very poor’ category with the AQI nearing the 400 mark.
Issuing a strong caution, Sirsa said complaints were being received about construction activities continuing in the city despite Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) being in force. He made it clear that any violation would invite strict legal action.
“There is an expectation of a western disturbance and bad weather in Delhi from this evening. Despite GRAP-4 being implemented, complaints about construction work are coming in. I want to make it absolutely clear that anyone carrying out construction in this bad weather will face strict action against their buildings. Concerned JEs and XENs will also be held accountable, and legal action will be taken,” Sirsa said in a post on X.
The minister further stated that no polluting industry within Delhi would be allowed to function, irrespective of whether it is located in an authorised or unauthorised area. He emphasised that from Sunday onwards, the government would begin sealing polluting industrial units operating within the city.
“We will not allow anyone to play with the health of Delhi’s people. I appeal to all to cooperate in making Delhi’s air clean and safe,” Sirsa said.
The warning comes amid deteriorating air quality conditions in the capital. According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi’s average AQI over the past 24 hours stood at 398 on Saturday, placing it firmly in the ‘very poor’ category. PM 2.5 remained the dominant pollutant.
Delhi was also enveloped in dense fog amid a sharp dip in temperatures. The maximum temperature was recorded at 16.9 degrees Celsius, while the minimum dropped to 6.1 degrees Celsius.
For Sunday, the India Meteorological Department has forecast a partly cloudy sky with cold day conditions at isolated places. Dense to very dense fog is also likely during the morning hours at some locations in the city.