Why Delhi tops list of six polluted spots across Indo-Gangetic Plain
While Delhi may not be the most polluted spot in the Indo-Gangetic Plain during winter, it tops a list of six spots across the plain in terms of annual average pollution levels. Experts attribute high pollution levels all year round in the national capital to a high concentration of pollution sources.
A report submitted by a joint committee appointed by National Green Tribunal this January considered seasonal variations in PM2.5 levels for 2019 at Delhi (ITO), Amritsar, Murthal, Lucknow, Patna and Kolkata. Across these six spots, the highest PM2.5 concentration was found to be in Patna (208 µg/m3) in winter, from December to February, followed by Delhi (176 µg/m3). In two other seasons — summer and post monsoon, which cover the periods from March to May and September to November respectively — Delhi has topped the list of six spots.
Rash driving includes not taking due care while overtaking: Delhi HC
The Delhi High Court recently observed that, in every case, rash and negligent driving does not necessarily mean “excessive speed” and would include not taking due care, especially while overtaking a vehicle which is either stationary or moving.
The observation was made in a March 29 order by a single-judge bench of Justice Gaurang Kanth after hearing a plea by the family of a motorcycle rider who died allegedly after colliding with a bus parked in the middle of the road, without any signal or light indicator on the night of July 22, 2012.
Traffic woes to ease as part of Chirag Dilli flyover opens today
Repair work complete, one carriageway of the Chirag Dilli flyover is set to reopen to traffic on Friday. This will provide some relief to those travelling between Nehru Enclave, Okhla and other parts of Southeast Delhi towards IIT Delhi.
The Public Works Department (PWD) has completed repairs, strengthening and expansion, and joint work on one side of the carriageway, said officials. “Work on one side of the carriageway is completed. Work on the other side will begin once the other one is open to the public,” said a PWD official.
The PWD closed the stretch on March 12 to carry out work. Initially, the traffic police had issued an advisory saying that the flyover will be shut for 50 days, but after receiving several complaints, PWD Minister Atishi directed the department to expedite the work and complete it in a month.
Observing that he was the architect of the criminal conspiracy, a Delhi court Friday refused AAP leader and former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia bail in the excise policy case being probed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Special Judge MK Nagpal dismissed Sisodia’s bail by cautioning that “his release may adversely affect the ongoing investigation and will also seriously hamper the progress”.
