Delhi NCR air pollution | Centre bans non essential construction work, plying of polluting four wheelers

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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