Urgent Alert: GRAP 4 Takes Bold Step to Combat Delhi’s Pollution with 50% Office Attendance and Odd-Even Car Rule
The Centre for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has enforced Stage-4 of its stringent anti-pollution measures in Delhi as the city’s air quality plummeted into the “severe plus” category. On November 17, 2024, a dense smog enveloped New Delhi, particularly visible at iconic sites like India Gate. By 7 pm, Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) skyrocketed to 457, surpassing the “more than 450” threshold indicative of extreme pollution levels, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
In response, the CAQM has activated an 8-point action plan beginning November 18 across the entire National Capital Region (NCR). Key measures include the prohibition of truck entry into the capital, with exceptions only for trucks carrying essential goods or those powered by LNG, CNG, or BS-VI diesel. Similarly, light commercial vehicles (LCVs) registered outside Delhi are restricted, except for those crucial to essential services. Diesel-operated medium and heavy goods vehicles (MGVs and HGVs) registered under BS-IV standards are banned in Delhi.
Further, the plan halts construction activities outlined in Stage-III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), extending to public infrastructure projects like highways and telecommunication lines. The CAQM also calls for educational institutions in the NCR to consider shifting to online learning, even for senior classes, and recommends that offices operate with 50% staff physically present, allowing the remainder to work from home. Decisions regarding work-from-home policies for central government employees are pending federal input.
Moreover, the CAQM suggests NCR authorities may implement emergency measures such as closing colleges and non-essential commercial entities, and enforcing an odd-even vehicle registration rule to curb air pollution. These drastic steps aim to address the escalating air quality crisis in India’s capital and emphasize the urgent need for collective action from both government bodies and the public.
Original Story https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/delhi-pollution-grap-4-recommends-50-attendance-in-offices-odd-even-for-cars-101731860445459.html
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