Smoke From Punjab Not Reaching Delhi Due To Lack of Wind Movement; Only Smoke From UP And Haryana Causing Pollution: AAP Minister Gopal Rai

Amid the deteriorating air quality situation in the national capital, AAP leader and Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai has claimed that the stubble burning in Punjab, another AAP ruled state, was not impacting Delhi as much as that of Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.

Rai's claim comes as Delhi's air remained severely polluted for the fifth consecutive day on Monday (6 November) morning with the Air Quality Index (AQI) still in the 'severe' category.

The overall AQI in the national capital was recorded at 488.

Some of the worst-affected areas in the national capital include RK Puram (466), ITO (402), Patparganj (471), and New Moti Bagh (488).

"Central government figures show that less stubble has been burnt in Punjab this year in comparison to last year. Punjab's stubble smoke does not have as much impact on Delhi as that of Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. This is because there is no movement in the wind. Only if the wind blows, the smoke of Punjab will reach Delhi. Right now there is smoke all around Delhi. The smoke of stubble from Haryana and Uttar Pradesh is reaching Delhi," Rai was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.

Earlier on Friday (3 November) too, Rai blamed blamed neighbouring Haryana for the air pollution in Delhi.

"Stubble burning has reduced in Punjab. Moreover, it is distant and with no Northwestern wind flowing. Pollution is being caused by surrounding areas like Haryana, where 20 districts are polluted," Rai said.