Delhi’s new action plan to combat rising pollution includes a ban on non-essential trucks, school closures, and remote work.
According to reports, Delhi has implemented stage-4 of its emergency anti-pollution protocols due to the city’s air quality deteriorating to critical levels. At 9 am on Monday morning, the air quality index recorded a value of 485, falling under the category of “severe plus” and posing significant health risks to the residents.
Delhi pollution: Key restrictions under GRAP-4
The CAQM has introduced a rigorous 8-point strategy to address the deteriorating air quality, with the goal of reducing the rising pollution levels and safeguarding public health.
Prohibition of Construction Operations: The suspension applies to all construction and demolition (C&D) tasks, encompassing public infrastructure ventures such as roads, highways, overpasses, and power transmission installations. This restriction also encompasses linear public undertakings like pipelines and telecommunication projects.
This may involve shutting down colleges, schools, and non-essential businesses, as well as implementing an odd-even scheme for vehicle usage.
Delhi’s pollution woes
Over the last week, there has been a noticeable degradation in the air quality of northern India, particularly evident in New Delhi where the Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 481 on Monday morning. Various regions within Delhi surpassed an AQI of 500, indicating severe pollution levels. The government has linked this deterioration in air quality to adverse weather conditions, as stated in an official announcement.
During the winter season, New Delhi grapples with dense smog, a hazardous amalgamation of smoke and fog. The cold air acts as a barrier, entrapping dust, pollutants, and discharges from unlawful farm burnings. The Indian meteorological department predicts persistent smoggy conditions and minimal wind movement until Saturday.
