Copters for aerial sprinkling on cards

The Delhi government has approached a helicopter service company for aerial sprinkling of water over the Capital, whose air quality has entered the 'severe' mark in the last two days making the city unlivable.

"The government is in talks with Pawan Hans for aerial sprinkling of water over the city to help bring down particulate matter," Delhi Environment Minister Imran Hussain tweeted on Friday.

The decision comes a day after Union Environment Minister Harsh Vardhan said the government should sprinkle water on the roads. "We have reinforced our instructions and are constantly monitoring the situation at our level. We have asked the government to sprinkle water on the roads and use mechanised dust removal," he had said on Thursday.

Meanwhile, the government will allow free travel for commuters travelling in DTC and cluster buses. The decision is a part of the third round of Odd-Even scheme launched by the AAP government with an aim to bring down pollution levels.

"To encourage the use of public transport during Odd-Even, the government will allow free travel for commuters in all DTC and Cluster buses from November 13-17," Delhi Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot tweeted.

The Odd-Even car rationing scheme will be rolled out in Delhi for five days from November 13 as part of a graded response plan to tackle the alarming level of pollution in the city. The scheme will be in place from 8 am to 8 pm with exemptions for women drivers and two-wheelers.