Delhi pollution highlights: Kejriwal, Khattar say had a cordial meeting

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal met his Haryana counterpart Manohar Lal Khattar in Chandigarh on Wednesday to discuss the raging issue of stubble burning.

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday met chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar and agreed to take steps to prevent a repeat of smog in the National Capital Region (NCR) next year.

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal (left) with Haryana CM ML Khattar at his residence in Chandigarh on Wednesday. (HT Photo)

“During discussions, we agreed that the serious health risk to which such episodes of smog expose one and all require concrete and quick action on a number of fronts,” a joint statement said.

Kejriwal arrived in Chandigarh along with Delhi environment minister Imran Hussain, environment department secretary Keshav Chandra was on their way to the neighbouring state on Wednesday morning.

The Air Quality Index (AQI) in the Capital was recorded at 368 by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) at 10am on Wednesday. While the AQI is below the severe mark and is considered ‘normal’ at this time of the year, it is still in ‘very poor’ category and higher than Tuesday’s 24-hour average of 308.

Here are the highlights:

5.28pm: News agency IANS reported that the two chief ministers agreed to take steps to prevent a repeat of smog in the National Capital Region (NCR) next year.

2.25pm: Pollution is a common concern. We are taking steps in our states. In Gurugram 500 buses will run on CNG: Haryana CM ML Khattar.

2.20pm: We don’t have control of the air. We have to work together to improve the situation. This is just the start and we will work together for a clean environment: Arvind Kejriwal

2.18pm: We discussed on various issues such as crop burning, bypass, CNG vehicles: Kejriwal.

2.15pm: We had a very positive discussion, we will take all steps possible to tackle the situation: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal after meeting Haryana CM.

2pm: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal and Haryana CM ML Khattar addressing a joint briefing.

12.50pm:

12.30pm: Shiromani Akali Dal and Congress leaders staged a protest along the airport road in Mohali. The protesters showed black flags to Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal and also threw packets of white powder on his cavalcade, referencing to AAP leader Sukhpal Khaira’s alleged involvement in a drug case in Punjab.

12.05pm: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal arrives at ML Khattar’s residence in Chandigarh.

11am: At least seven trains were cancelled, and 26 were running late due to shallow fog in northern India, a railway official said.

10.40am: Weathermen said Delhi will witness ‘very poor’ air for some time now.

10.30am: The Air Quality Index (AQI) in the Capital was recorded at 368 by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) at 10am on Wednesday. While the AQI is below the severe mark and is considered ‘normal’ at this time of the year, it is still in ‘very poor’ category and higher than Tuesday’s 24-hour average of 308.

10.05am:

9.52am: Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal leaves for Chandigarh, will meet his Haryana counterpart ML Khattar.

9.30am: Expressing shock at the loss of healthy live years due to illness from growing air pollution in Delhi and other parts of the country, Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) said all cities of India should be mandated to implement clean air action plan in a time-bound manner and fix responsibility to meet clean air standards.

8.45am: The Indian Meteorological Department has forecasted some shallow fog and mist in the morning till Saturday.