New Delhi: The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Sunday enforced Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) throughout Delhi-NCR. The decision comes as the air quality in the national capital continues to deteriorate and reels under severe category for the third consecutive day. The measure aims at curbing the air pollution in Delhi-NCR by prohibiting truck entry and encouraging work from home.
The GRAP, a series of strategies devised by the Centre's CAQM to combat air pollution, includes various levels of alert. Stage IV represents the most critical level. The comprehensive 8-point action plan specified under Stage IV of GRAP is now in effect across the entire NCR as of Sunday. Under it, entry of trucks into Delhi is banned. However, those carrying essential commodities/providing essential services and all LNG/CNG/electric trucks will be allowed.
There will also be a ban on the 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.
Delhi School Closed Upto Class 5 Till Nov 10
Delhi Education Minister Atishi today said that the primary schools in the city will be closed till November 10 due to severe air pollution. She also said that classes from 6-12 may switch to online classes in view of the situation. She also said that classes from 6-12 may switch to online classes in view of the situation.
On Sunday, the air quality in Delhi persisted in the 'Severe' category for the fourth consecutive day. The Air Quality Index (AQI) exhibited a slight improvement, with a recorded value of 410, compared to 504 on the preceding Saturday, as reported by the System of Air Quality Forecasting and Research (SAFAR-India). According to SAFAR-India's data, the air quality in the Lodhi Road area measured at 385 (Very Poor), while the Delhi University area registered an AQI of 456 (Severe).
Delhi, NCR state governments can also ask public, municipal and private offices to work on 50 per cent strength and the rest to work from home. The state governments may consider additional emergency measures like closure of colleges/educational institutions, closure of non-emergency and commercial activities, permitting running of vehicles on odd-even basis of registration numbers etc.
