New Delhi, Dec 13: The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Saturday invoked the strictest measures under its air pollution control plan, GRAP, including a ban on all construction and demolition activities in Delhi-NCR after pollution levels rose sharply amid unfavourable meteorological conditions.
The Sub-Committee on GRAP observed that Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI), which stood at 401 at 10 am in the “severe” category, continued to rise steadily due to very low wind speed, a stable atmosphere and unfavourable weather conditions that prevented dispersion of pollutants. The AQI climbed to 431 at 4 pm, 436 at 5 pm, 441 at 6 pm and 448 at 7 pm, the panel said. It said these conditions, along with calm winds and mist or haze during the night, are likely to persist, further trapping pollutants over the region. This is in addition to the actions under Stages I, II and III of GRAP already in force in NCR, it added.
Stage IV of GRAP brings the strictest restrictions in Delhi-NCR.
Under this stage, the entry of trucks into Delhi is stopped, except those carrying essential commodities or providing essential services. However, CNG, LNG, electric and BS-VI diesel trucks are allowed. The plying of Delhi-registered diesel heavy goods vehicles (BS-IV and below) is banned, again with exceptions only for essential services. All construction and demolition activities are banned, including even linear public projects such as highways, roads, flyovers, power transmission lines, pipelines and telecom works, which are otherwise allowed in lower stages. Schools are required to run classes in a hybrid mode (online and physical) not only for primary students but also for higher classes (VI to IX and XI) in Delhi and the most affected NCR districts, with students given the option to attend online where feasible. (PTI)
