School closures, remote work, and a restriction on non-essential trucks are all part of Delhi's new action plan to address the city's growing pollution problem.
Delhi's air quality hit dangerously high levels, prompting the city to implement stage 4 of its emergency anti-pollution measures. At nine in the morning on Monday, the air quality index was 485, a "severe plus" rating that has major health consequences.The national capital's AQI reached 457 on Sunday night, prompting the announcement of emergency measures. As recommended by the Centre for Air Quality Management (CAQM), the new measures include closing schools, banning diesel trucks in Delhi, and encouraging remote work.
"Good" is defined as an AQI between 0 and 50, "satisfactory" as 51 and 100, "moderate" as 101 and 200, "poor" as 201 and 300, "very poor" as 301 and 400, "severe" as 401 and 450, and "severe plus" as 450 and higher.
Delhi pollution: GRAP-4's main limitations
A strict eight-point action plan was put into place by the CAQM in response to the deteriorating air quality, with the goal of reducing the rising pollution and safeguarding public health. Until the air quality improves, the measures are anticipated to stay in effect throughout the National Capital Region (NCR).
Truck Entry Ban: Non-necessary trucks will not be allowed to enter Delhi at all; the only exceptions will be for those transporting necessities, critical services, or vehicles powered by LNG, CNG, or electricity.
Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) Restrictions: Unless they are electric, CNG, or BS-VI diesel vehicles, LCVs registered outside of Delhi will also not be allowed to enter the capital, with exceptions made for those providing critical services.
Diesel Vehicle Ban: Delhi-registered BS-IV and below diesel-powered medium and heavy goods vehicles (MGVs and HGVs) would be strictly prohibited. Only cars that deliver necessary services or transport necessary items are exempt.
Prohibition on Construction Activities: All construction and demolition (C&D) operations will be halted, including those related to public infrastructure projects such as flyovers, highways, roads, and electricity transmission lines. Linear public projects like pipelines and telecommunications work are also prohibited.
Schools: As the city strangled under dangerously high levels of pollution for the sixth day in a row, Delhi Chief Minister Atishi ordered that all in-person lessons would be canceled, with the exception of those in grades 10 and 12.
Work Restrictions in Government and Private Offices: All government, municipal, and private offices must run at 50% capacity, with the remaining employees working from home. The federal government will decide whether to allow its staff to work from home.
Potential Extra Steps: Since the situation is still dire, the governments of the NCR states and Delhi might think about taking more emergency steps, like closing schools, colleges, and non-essential commercial operations and allowing cars on an odd-even basis.
Delhi's problems with pollution
Over the past week, the quality of the air in north India has drastically declined; on Monday morning, the AQI in New Delhi was 481. An AQI reading of more than 500 was observed in a number of Delhi locations. A government statement attributes this drop in air quality to unfavorable meteorological conditions.
According to SAFAR, a weather forecasting organization under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, stubble burning—the practice of burning leftover rice straw to clear fields—has been responsible for about 38% of New Delhi's pollution this year, mostly from the nearby states of Punjab and Haryana.
Since chilly air retains dust, pollutants, and emissions from illicit agricultural fires, New Delhi experiences severe smog every winter. Smog is a dangerous blend of smoke and fog. The Indian meteorological department predicted haze conditions and low wind speeds until Saturday. Officials attributed the smog to excessive pollution, humidity, calm breezes, and declining temperatures.
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