The central government’s air quality panel has announced the implementation of stricter pollution control measures in Delhi starting Monday, as the air quality index (AQI) entered the ‘severe+’ category for the first time this season. According to the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), measures under Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) will come into effect at 8 am on November 18. Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) revealed that the AQI in the national capital region (NCR) spiked to 457 by Sunday evening, prompting the GRAP sub-committee to hold an emergency meeting to discuss actions to curb the rising pollution levels.
The Stage IV curbs include banning trucks entering Delhi unless they carry essential items or use clean fuels such as LNG, CNG, or BS-VI diesel. Non-essential light commercial vehicles registered outside Delhi are also prohibited unless they are electric or compliant with CNG or BS-VI diesel standards. Additionally, Delhi-registered medium and heavy diesel vehicles with BS-IV or older engines are barred, except those used for essential services. Construction work on public projects has also been temporarily halted. These restrictions add to those already in place under the earlier stages of GRAP, which address poor, very poor, and severe air quality levels.
To further mitigate the situation, the CAQM has recommended online teaching for students in Classes 6 to 9 and Class 11, along with work-from-home provisions for central government employees and 50% of staff in NCR offices. The GRAP categorizes air quality into four stages based on AQI levels: Stage I (poor), Stage II (very poor), Stage III (severe), and Stage IV (severe plus) for AQI levels above 450. The stricter measures aim to prevent further deterioration of air quality in the region as pollution levels continue to rise.
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