Stricter pollution control measures under Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) will be imposed in Delhi-NCR starting from 8:00 am on Monday, following a significant surge in the pollution level. As per Prana Air, Air Quality Index (AQI) of the national capital has reached 580 and has been termed as hazardous. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has declared the measures as the AQI climbed to 441 by 4 pm and further worsened to 457 by 7 pm because of adverse weather conditions. Major instructions include a ban on the entry of trucks and banning the public transportation projects temporarily.
Transportation curbs to restrict pollution
As per latest CAQM’s order bans the entry of trucks into Delhi unless they are transporting essential items or are running on clean energy fuels like CNG, LNG, BS-IV diesel or electric vehicles. Among the restricted lists, non-essential light commercial vehicles which are registered outside Delhi are also barred and BS-IV Delhi registered or older diesel medium and heavy goods vehicles.
Public activities and work adjustments
Under the new norms, all the demolition activities related to public infrastructure including roads, flyovers, pipelines and the construction work are also suspended. The CAQM has appealed to the schools to shift to online teaching for students in Classes 6 to 9 and Class 11. Offices all over the National Capital region (NCR) have been advised to operate at 50 per cent capacity, and the rest strength will be working remotely. The panel has also suggested introducing work from options for central government employees. Additional measures like closure of colleges, limiting non-essential commercial activities and implementing odd-even vehicle rules to curb pollution may be implemented by the state government. The heightened restrictions reflect the immediate need to address the worsening of air quality across Delhi-NCR.
No physical classes upto class 9 and 11
As per Delhi government latest announcement, physical classes will be suspended for all except for students of class 10 and 12 as the city is ingulfed in thick smog for the consecutive 5th day. The declaration was made just after the CAQM decision. All the heads of government and private schools has been ordered to make sure that offline classes for classes up to 9 and class 11 do not take until further order.