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A bike plies on the road amid low visibility during fog on a cold winter morning, in New Delhi on January 14, 2024.
| Photo Credit: Shashi Shekhar Kashyap
The Central Government on January 14 ordered a ban on non-essential construction work and plying of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers in Delhi-NCR amid worsening air quality in the region.
The Commission for Air Quality Management, a statutory body responsible for forming air pollution reduction strategies for the region and their implementation, noted a significant rise in Delhi’s AQI (458 and 457 at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m.) due to unfavourable climatic conditions and local pollution sources.
Also read: Majority of cities far from clean air target, says study
Armed forces personnel rehearse for the Republic Day parade 2024 during fog on a cold winter morning at Kartavya path in New Delhi on January 14, 2024.
| Photo Credit:
Shashi Shekhar Kashyap
Anticipating a prolonged period of severe air quality, the committee decided to implement GRAP Stage-III curbs (‘severe’ air quality index (AQI) range) immediately to prevent further deterioration.
The curbs include a ban on non-essential construction work and the plying of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers in the region.
Also read: Restart Delhi smog tower in 24 hours, says Rai
Construction work related to national security or defence, projects of national importance, healthcare, railways, metro rail, airports, inter-state bus terminals, highways, roads, flyovers, overbridges, power transmission, pipelines, sanitation and water supply are exempted from the ban.
Vehicles ply on road amid low visibility during fog on a cold winter morning, in New Delhi on January 14, 2024.
| Photo Credit:
PTI
The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is the Centre’s air pollution control plan implemented in the region during the winter season.
It categorises actions into four stages: Stage I – ‘Poor’ (AQI 201-300); Stage II – ‘Very Poor’ (AQI 301-400); Stage III – ‘Severe’ (AQI 401-450); and Stage IV – ‘Severe Plus’ (AQI>450).
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