The Centre's air quality panel has imposed stricter pollution control measures for Delhi-NCR under Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), effective from 8 am on Monday. These measures include a ban on truck entry, except for essential goods and eco-friendly vehicles, and a temporary halt on public construction projects. The CAQM also suggested work-from-home options for central government employees and noted that state governments could close colleges, limit non-essential commercial activities, and enforce odd-even vehicle rules to manage the worsening air quality.
The Centre's air quality panel has imposed more stringent pollution control measures for the Delhi-NCR region, activating Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). These measures came into effect at 8 am on Monday, reflecting the urgent need to address worsening air quality levels. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) issued this order in response to the declining Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi, which had reached 441 at 4 pm and escalated to 457 by 7 pm. These figures indicate hazardous air quality, driven largely by unfavourable weather conditions, which are preventing the dispersal of pollutants.
Under the newly introduced measures, a significant restriction on truck movement has been enforced. Only trucks carrying essential goods or using environmentally friendly fuels, such as LNG, CNG, BS-VI diesel, or electric power, are permitted entry into Delhi. This decision is aimed at reducing the volume of diesel-powered trucks, which contribute significantly to air pollution in the region.
Additionally, the CAQM order also suggests that central government employees may be encouraged to work from home. This is a precautionary step to reduce the number of commuters on the road and further mitigate the levels of air pollution in the city.
In light of the deteriorating air quality, the panel also noted that state governments have the discretion to take further action. These measures could include the closure of educational institutions like colleges, limiting the operations of non-essential commercial activities, and implementing an odd-even vehicle scheme, which has previously been used to reduce the number of vehicles on the road.
These actions highlight the ongoing challenge that Delhi faces in managing air pollution and its impact on public health. The situation continues to demand prompt and decisive action from both central and state authorities to safeguard residents' health and well-being.
The new pollution control measures in Delhi-NCR reflect the urgency of addressing the region's deteriorating air quality, which reached hazardous levels this week. By restricting truck movements and encouraging work-from-home policies, authorities aim to reduce pollution levels. The potential for further actions, such as the closure of educational institutions and the implementation of vehicle restrictions, indicates the severity of the situation. These efforts highlight the need for immediate action to protect public health and mitigate the long-term effects of air pollution in the region.
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