Delhi is grappling with a worsening air pollution crisis as the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) continues to stay in the ‘severe’ category for the fourth consecutive day. On Saturday, the AQI in parts of the city was recorded at 406, signaling a toxic environment that poses severe health risks to residents. In response to this ongoing crisis, the Delhi government has taken drastic steps, including imposing bans on certain vehicle types, staggering office timings, and suspending construction activities.
AQI Remains Dangerous, Health Risks Worsen
Drone footage from key locations such as AIIMS and Pragati Maidan showed dense smog engulfing the city. The AQI at Pragati Maidan was registered at 357, indicating ‘very poor’ air quality. Other prominent areas like Kalindi Kunj and India Gate saw AQI levels above 414, firmly placing them in the ‘severe’ category. The pollution is causing widespread respiratory distress, eye irritation, and increasing cardiovascular complications, making it a serious health hazard for Delhi residents.
In addition to the visible haze in high-rise buildings around Kalindi Kunj, parts of the Yamuna river near Okhla Barrage were reported to be covered with toxic foam. These alarming conditions have prompted urgent government action.
Stringent Vehicle Restrictions
As part of Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), the Delhi government has enforced a ban on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers across the capital. This ban aims to reduce the number of polluting vehicles on the road. Violators of this regulation will be penalized with fines of ₹20,000 under Section 194(1) of the Motor Vehicle Act, 1988.
Other vehicle-related restrictions include:
- A ban on diesel-operated Medium Goods Vehicles (MGVs) of BS-III standards or below within Delhi unless they are transporting essential goods or services.
- Prohibition on diesel Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) registered outside Delhi, with exceptions for essential services.
- A ban on interstate buses, except for those powered by electric, CNG, or BS-VI diesel engines, unless operating under an All India Tourist Permit.
Enhanced Measures Under GRAP-III
To further combat the pollution, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has invoked GRAP-III, which includes:
- Intensive road sweeping and water sprinkling, especially on heavily trafficked roads and pollution hotspots.
- A complete ban on demolition, earth excavation, and transportation of construction waste.
- Increased public transport options, with 106 additional shuttle buses and more metro train trips.
Staggered Office Timings
Delhi’s Chief Minister Atishi announced staggered office timings for government departments in an effort to alleviate traffic congestion and reduce the volume of vehicles on the roads. The new schedule is as follows:
- Central government offices will operate from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm.
- Delhi government offices will function from 10:00 am to 6:30 pm.
- The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) offices will run from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.
These staggered timings are set to continue until February 2025, as Delhi’s LG VK Saxena approved the measure. However, the LG expressed concern that the government had implemented the solution with a delay, highlighting that this should have been a preventive measure months ago.
School Shifts to Online Learning
In light of the severe air quality, schools for children up to Class 5 have been directed to transition to online learning after the weekend. This step aims to protect young children from the hazardous effects of polluted air. The government has also suspended all private construction and demolition activities, though essential government projects will continue.
Enforcement and Monitoring
To ensure compliance with these measures, the Transport Department has deployed 280 personnel to monitor and enforce the restrictions. Additionally, Delhi residents have been urged to stay indoors as much as possible, wear masks, and avoid physical exertion outdoors until air quality improves.
Conclusion
The Delhi government’s actions come in response to an ongoing crisis that has put the city’s air quality at dangerous levels. With the introduction of strict vehicle bans, staggered office timings, and intensified pollution control measures, authorities are aiming to mitigate the harmful effects of the ongoing pollution and protect the health of its residents. However, with the severity of the situation, experts stress that long-term and sustainable measures are necessary to improve Delhi’s air quality in the future.
Sources By Agencies
