New Delhi, 5 Nov: As an air quality crisis seized the national capital, the Centre on Sunday imposed a stop on construction activity linked to major public projects in Delhi-NCR, as well as the admission of polluting vehicles and commercial four-wheelers into the city.
These measures are part of the final stage, Stage IV, of the Centre’s air pollution management plan, which is implemented at least three days before the capital’s Air Quality Index exceeds 450.
However, proactive implementation was not possible this time. The CAQM, a statutory agency in charge of developing plans to address pollution in the region, has directed that all emergency measures be implemented, including work-from-home instructions for 50% of government and private-sector employees.
Only CNG, electric, and BS VI-compliant cars from other states are permitted to enter Delhi during the last stage (Stage IV) of the Graded Response Action Plan, with exemptions provided to those participating in critical services.
According to the most recent Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) decree, all medium and heavy freight trucks that are not engaged in critical activities are likewise prohibited in the capital.
The pollution control agency issued a restriction on non-essential building activities and particular kinds of polluting cars on Thursday.
In an effort to protect young children from health-threatening pollution, the Delhi administration has also ordered the shutdown of all elementary schools for two days.
Due to unfavorable climatic circumstances and an increase in stubble-burning occurrences in neighboring states, the city’s air quality index rose from 415 at 4 p.m. on Saturday to 463 at 3 p.m. on Sunday.
The air crisis is not limited to Delhi; numerous towns in Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh have all reported poor air quality.
