New Delhi, November 1: The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has introduced 21 additional trains on its network amid rising pollution levels in the national capital. This will provide 812 additional number of trips. This includes 14 trains with 730 trips of Trilokpuri-Sanjay Lake to Shiv Vihar section of Line-7. The 17.8-km Shiv Vihar-Trilokpuri-Sanjay Lake section of the Pink Line was opened for passengers on October 31. This will have three interchange facilities. Delhi Air Pollution: Poor Air Quality Index Detected in Lodhi Road Area, PM 10 Drops to 283.

The move comes as air quality index in Delhi and nearby cities continues to remain in the very poor category. A day after recording “severe” pollution, Delhi’s air quality improved slightly to “very poor” category Wednesday after wind speed picked up and dispersed pollutants even though the stubble fire count increased. The overall air quality index of Delhi was recorded at 366 by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Delhi Air Pollution: Rising Vehicular Emission a Major Contributor in Deteriorating Air Quality in NCR.

The Supreme Court-appointed Environment Pollution Control Authority (EPCA) has urged Delhiites to use public transport for the first 10 days of November when the air quality of the national capital is likely to further deteriorate. Noting that private vehicles contribute to 40 per cent pollution in Delhi-NCR, the EPCA urged people to reduce use of private vehicles during this period and use public transport or other means.

Meanwhile, the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) for Delhi and NCR has come into effect from today, November 1. The plan has different ways of prevention and control of air pollution based on the AQI category. For example, if AQI reaches Severe + or Emergency, then all the truck from other states will be banned (except truck carrying essential commodities), Construction work will be stopped and Introduction of the odd-even scheme. The task force in such a case will also take a decision on any additional steps including shutting of schools.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 01, 2018 11:47 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).