New Delhi: The air quality in Delhi has plunged to hazardous levels as the Air Quality Index (AQI) climbed to 457 on Sunday, entering the ‘severe plus’ category for the first time this season. In response, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has decided to implement Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) starting Monday at 8 a.m.
Delhi has been experiencing worsening air pollution over the past few days. On Wednesday, the AQI entered the ‘severe’ category for the first time this season. By 7 p.m. on Sunday, all monitoring stations across Delhi reported AQI levels above 400. The most polluted areas were Bawana (490), Ashok Vihar (487), and Wazirpur (483).
Restrictions Under GRAP Stage IV
Under the newly imposed Stage IV of GRAP, several stringent measures will be enforced:
Ban on Truck Entry: Only trucks carrying essential commodities or providing essential services will be allowed to enter Delhi. All other trucks will be prohibited.
Restrictions on Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs): Diesel-operated LCVs (BS-IV and below) registered outside Delhi will not be allowed entry unless carrying essential goods. CNG, electric vehicles, and BS-VI diesel vehicles will be exempt from this ban.
Ban on Medium and Heavy Goods Vehicles (MGVs/HGVs): Diesel-operated MGVs and HGVs registered under BS-IV or lower standards will not be permitted to operate in Delhi, except those carrying essential commodities.
Halt on Construction Activities: All construction and demolition work, including highways, roads, flyovers, and bridges, will remain suspended until further notice.
Following the implementation of GRAP Stage III last Friday, all primary schools in Delhi were ordered to close, with classes being shifted online. These restrictions will continue under Stage IV to safeguard public health, especially children.
Authorities have urged residents to use public transportation, carpool, and limit non-essential outdoor activities. Experts warn that the current pollution levels pose severe health risks, particularly for vulnerable groups. Immediate and sustained efforts are needed to mitigate the crisis and bring pollution levels under control.
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