Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal hopes that the poor air quality in National Capital will not deter the India-Bangladesh clash at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Sunday. He emphasised that the game must go on and his government is taking necessary steps to improve the air quality.
Notably, India are slated to play Bangladesh in the first T20I of the three-match series, but the air quality in Delhi is turning worse post-Diwali and poses a threat to the match.
“I hope that pollution will not come in the way of cricket. To reduce pollution, we are also implementing the odd-even scheme from November 4,” Kejriwal told reporters at the Delhi Secretariat after air quality levels plummeted to the “severe” category for the first time this season.
“I have seen that in this season, matches have been played earlier as well. The match should be played in Delhi,” he added.
Notably, emission from firecrackers and stubble burning in the adjoining states of the National Capital Region has increased the pollution level in Delhi. However, according to reports, the situation is expected to get worse in the coming weekend.
The air in Delhi had turned ‘severe’ during Diwali on Sunday as the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded 999 in the Patparganj area.
As per AQI standards, 0-50 is considered good, 51-100 is satisfactory, 101-200 is moderate, 201-300 is poor while 301-400 is very poor. Readings above 400 is severe and is considered seriously harmful for health. Anything above 500 comes under the emergency category.
Bangladesh play three T20Is against India on 3, 7 and 10 November. The last two matches will be played in Rajkot and Nagpur, respectively.