Authorities in Delhi have implemented stringent measures to combat the escalating pollution crisis.
Among the key initiatives rolled out on Wednesday is a ban targeting vehicles that fail to comply with the latest emission control norms, signalling a strong push towards cleaner transportation, Reuters said in a report.
Furthermore, the government is regulating attendance across both private and government offices.
This move is likely intended to reduce the number of commuters on the roads, thereby easing traffic congestion and further decreasing vehicular emissions.
These comprehensive steps reflect the severity of the air quality issue and the government’s commitment to protecting public health in the capital.
Initial measures and environmental crisis
The Delhi National Capital Region (NCR), a massive urban agglomeration home to over 30 million people, has been grappling with a severe environmental crisis as its air quality index (AQI) has consistently plunged into the ‘severe’ category.
For several consecutive days, the AQI readings have frequently surpassed the alarming 450-mark, indicating a serious health hazard for the population.
This level of pollution signifies that the air is laden with high concentrations of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) and other harmful pollutants, making it unsafe to breathe and posing a significant threat, especially to vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those with respiratory or cardiovascular ailments.
Compounding the problem, the region has simultaneously experienced the onset of shallow fog, particularly in the mornings and evenings.
Stage four GRAP: restrictions and disruptions
This meteorological phenomenon, combined with the dense layer of smog (a mixture of smoke and fog caused by high pollution levels), has dramatically worsened visibility across parts of the city and the wider NCR.
The poor visibility has led to substantial disruption in transportation networks.
Most notably, both domestic and international flight operations at major airports and rail operations have been significantly impacted, leading to delays, diversions, and cancellations.
As a result, the Commission for Air Quality Management implemented stage four—the most severe level—of the Graded Response Action Plan for Delhi and its surrounding regions on Saturday.
The restrictions include several measures: prohibiting older diesel trucks from entering the city, halting all construction work (even on government projects), and implementing a hybrid model for school attendance.
Specific curbs and government response
Local government minister Kapil Mishra announced on Wednesday that a 50% attendance limit would be placed on all private and government offices in the city, with remaining staff working remotely.
Additionally, Mishra stated at a press conference in Delhi that all registered construction workers, many of whom are daily wage earners, would receive 10,000 rupees ($110) in compensation due to the ban.
Strict anti-pollution measures for vehicles were implemented by the government on Tuesday, including a ban on any vehicle that fails to comply with the latest emission control standards.
Delhi’s Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said late on Tuesday:
Our government is committed to providing clean air in Delhi. We will take strict steps to ensure this in the coming days.
Every winter, Delhi and its surrounding areas grapple with severe pollution.
This occurs when a combination of cold, dense air, vehicle emissions, construction dust, and smoke from crop burning in nearby states traps pollutants, causing the air quality to reach some of the worst levels globally.
This annual phenomenon poses significant respiratory health risks to residents.
The area, home to 30 million people, gets covered in a thick layer of smog with AQI reaching high 450-levels.
Readings below 50 are considered good.
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