The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi and NCR was a notch short of entering the “severe plus” category on Friday. It dropped to 472, as per SAFAR (System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research) India data.
With the AQI drop, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) on Thursday decided to impose stage IV of emergency measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
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Under GRAP: A ban on plying of four-wheeled diesel light motor vehicles in Delhi-NCR will be imposed. It also includes a ban on Delhi-registered diesel-run medium and heavy goods vehicles in the capital. Those carrying essential commodities and providing essential services are exempted.
A ban on the entry of trucks other than electric and CNG ones in Delhi will be put in place. No construction and demolition work in linear public projects such as highways, flyovers and overbridges is allowed.
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Four-wheeler diesel LMVs have been banned in Delhi-NCR. All industries that do not have PNG infrastructure and supply but still running for fuels other than the fuels as per the Standard list of approved fuels for NCR have been ordered shut.
Schools, colleges, educational institutions and non-emergency commercial activities will be shut down.
What’s allowed
All CNG vehicles are allowed. Electric trucks or e-vehicles have been allowed. Trucks carrying essential commodities or providing essential services. BS-VI vehicles and vehicles used for essential/emergency services.
Milk and dairy units and industries that are involved in the manufacturing of life-saving medical equipment, drugs, and medicines have been exempted from restrictions.
With a spike in the pollution levels, the enforcement teams of the transport department are fully involved in ensuring that the anti-pollution measures are implemented.
“The teams will be deployed at the entry points to ensure that only the trucks carrying essential goods enter Delhi while the other trucks are turned back,” a senior transport department official said.
