The Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi government on Monday announced a few additional measures to
improve the air quality in the national capital, which has been grappling with ‘severe’ air quality for the last few days. The city continued to witness
worsening air pollution with the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) standing at 488, on Monday, November 6.
As per the Central Pollution Control Board, Delhi’s AQI has increased by 200 points since October 27.
Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai held a high-level meeting on Monday to take strict measures to control the pollution.
Minister Gopal Rai has also announced another meeting tomorrow, on Tuesday, to discuss the steps taken so far and the additional measures needed.
Meanwhile, the government has announced the implementation of stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-IV) with immediate effect. However, under the GRAP IV, there are some crucial moves that aim to curb air pollution.
Odd Even Rule from November 13
Following the meeting, AAP minister Gopal Rai announced the decision to impose the odd-even rule for the vehicles. The rule will be imposed from November 13 to 20, after Diwali festival.
Under this scheme, the cars with only odd or only even number plates are allowed to ply on alternate days.
Online classes for school students
Primary schools will remain shut until November 20 while the classes for students of class 6th to 9th will be held online. Only the students of classes 10th to 12th are allowed to attend physical classes at schools.
50% of employees will work from home
According to reports, the government has directed all offices, both public and private, to allow 50% of employees to work from home. However, the final decision on the proposal will be taken later, according to Environment Minister Rai, the Indian Express reported.
Construction Work
There will be a halt on construction and demolition activities in all the linear public projects including highways, roads, flyovers, overbridges, power transmission, pipelines, etc.
Restriction on vehicles entering Delhi
There will be strict restrictions on the entry of polluting trucks into Delhi, with an exception for heavy vehicles carrying essential goods and all LNG/CNG or electric trucks. There will be no entry of the non-Delhi registered LCVs, except electric vehicles or CNG-operated vehicles. Only CNG, electric, and BS VI-compliant vehicles from other states will be allowed to enter the national capital.
Restrictions on Heavy Vehicles
Restriction on plying of diesel-operated Medium Goods Vehicles and Heavy Goods Vehicles registered in Delhi to continue, except those transporting essential goods/services.
(Edited by : Sudarsanan Mani)
