Delhi Air Quality ‘severe’, eight point action plan invoked, trucks not permitted, ‘work from home’ option for govt employees, multiple offices to have fifty percent strength

No respite for people of Delhi as the Air Quality Index (AQI) remains in the ‘Severe’ category in the national capital as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

Delhi‘s air quality index (AQI) has surpassed 450 for the second time this season and this despite several pollution control measures were implemented on Sunday. The AQI stood at 454 on Sunday, a slight improvement from Friday’s 468 but had previously reached 415 on Saturday.

Delhi’s experiencing its fourth consecutive “severe” air day, which could be one of the longest streaks in the city. The Air Quality is expected to remain in the severe category until November 8.

Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas invokes 8-point action plan as per Stage-IV of the GRAP in the entire NCR with immediate effect to prevent further deterioration of air quality in the region.

The 8-point action plan implemented includes steps to be ensured by different agencies and Pollution Control Boards of NCR and DPCC. These steps are:

1. Stop entry of truck traffic into Delhi (except for trucks carrying essential commodities/ providing essential services and all LNG/ CNG/ electric trucks).

2. Do not permit LCVs registered outside Delhi, other than EVs/ CNG/ BS-VI diesel, to enter Delhi, except those carrying essential commodities/ providing essential services.

3. Ban on plying of Delhi – registered diesel operated Medium Goods Vehicles (MGVs) and Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) in Delhi, except those carrying essential commodities/ providing essential services.

4. Ban C&D activities also in linear public projects such as highways, roads, flyovers, overbridges, power transmission, pipelines etc.

5. NCR State Govts. and GNCTD may take a decision on discontinuing physical classes even for classes VI – IX, class XI and conduct lessons in an online mode.

6. NCR State Governments/ GNCTD to take a decision on allowing public, municipal and private offices to work on 50% strength and the rest to work from home.

7. Central Government may take appropriate decision on permitting work from home for employees in Central Government offices.

8. State Governments may consider additional emergency measures like closure of colleges/ educational institutions and closure of non-emergency commercial activities, permitting running of vehicles on odd-even basis of registration numbers etc.

Further, the CAQM appeals to the citizens of NCR to cooperate in implementing GRAP and follow the steps mentioned in the Citizen Charter under GRAP. Citizens are advised to:

• Children, elderly and those with respiratory, cardiovascular, cerebrovascular or other chronic diseases to avoid outdoor activities and stay indoors, as much as possible.