New Delhi: Days after BJP alleged that Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi government spent Rs16 crores on advertisements while only 40,000 was spent on development work, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai hit back at the saffron party and challenged them for a debate on Wednesday. The minister said that leaders of BJP should compare Delhi with any of their ruling states and explain the steps taken by them for the welfare of the state.
Speaking to ETV Bharat, the Environment Minister said that the AAP government is putting all efforts to make the situation better in the national capital. He added that government will hold a review meeting after November 21 and will decide the next step.
Meanwhile, Gopal Rai also held a meeting with officers of different departments over the pollution situation in the national capital on Wednesday and took many important decisions like schools, colleges, institutes and libraries in Delhi to remain closed till further orders. He added that instructions have been given to stop vehicles (trucks and other commercial vehicles) coming to Delhi from outside, 1000 private buses have been hired to increase public transport. As many as 372 water sprinklers have been deployed in the national capital to reduce the pollutants. Along with this, a separate fire brigade water machine will be used and many more.
"At present, the Red Light on Vehicle Off campaign in the national capital has also been taken forward," the minister added.
Terming the air pollution in Delhi-NCR as an "emergency situation", Delhi Chief Minister Kejriwal had announced a one-week shut down starting from November 15. The announcement comes in the backdrop of the rise in air pollution in Delhi as the capital city gasps for fresh air as AQI dipped to 'severe category' on Saturday.
Read: Delhi Minister Gopal Rai explains reasons behind pollution, shut down
