New Delhi, June 13: The Environment Ministry on Wednesday informed that the high pollution level in the national capital at this during this time of the year is unusual and primarily due to dust storms from Rajasthan. It must be noted that Rajasthan is facing extremely dry weather conditions, with high temperatures and wind speeds. The dusty conditions in Delhi are likely to prevail over next three days, the Ministry informed.

According to a government press release, the wind direction in Delhi since June 10 has changed to West and North West and then since June 12 to West and South West, due to which hot air, along with dust from Rajasthan has started moving into Delhi.

According to Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), the current surface winds in Delhi are in the range of 5-6 m/sec and wind direction is West to South West, which is likely to continue over the next three days.  Therefore, it is expected that dusty conditions will prevail in Delhi over the next three days.  Major construction agencies, municipal corporations and Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) have been alerted to ensure water sprinkling, as required.

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has requested Chief Secretary, Delhi to issue appropriate instructions in the matter to the concerned agencies.

Meanwhile, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has convened an urgent meeting of the Task Force regarding the implementation of Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) today and issued necessary directions to contain local dust sources. The Task Force has also recommended that public should avoid prolonged exposure.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 13, 2018 11:32 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).