Delhi Staggers Office Timings, Bans These Vehicles As AQI Remains “Severe”

New Delhi:

Delhi continued to battle a worsening air pollution disaster, with its air high quality plunging into the ‘extreme’ class for a fourth consecutive day. A dense smog has blanketed town, with the Air High quality Index (AQI) recorded at 406 this morning, based on the Central Air pollution Management Board (CPCB). The smog and air pollution are inflicting extreme well being considerations, together with respiratory misery, eye irritation, and heightened dangers of cardiovascular problems.

Drone footage from Saturday morning at key areas corresponding to AIIMS and Pragati Maidan exhibits a layer of smog nonetheless lingering within the air. At Pragati Maidan, the AQI stood at 357, a stage categorized as ‘very poor.’ Different hotspots, together with Kalindi Kunj and India Gate, reported AQI ranges of 414 and above, placing them within the ‘extreme’ class.

Even high-rise buildings in areas like Kalindi Kunj appeared shrouded in a grey haze, whereas elements of the Yamuna river close to Okhla Barrage have been lined with poisonous foam.

#WATCH | Delhi continues to be lined in a blanket of smog within the mornings because the Air High quality Index (AQI) continues to be in ‘Extreme’ class in a number of areas as per the Central Air pollution Management Board (CPCB)

(Drone visuals from Signature Bridge shot at 8:45 am) pic.twitter.com/q6uMZdQHhU

— ANI (@ANI) November 16, 2024

As poisonous smog blankets India’s capital, the Delhi authorities has applied stringent measures to curb air pollution beneath Stage III of the Graded Response Motion Plan (GRAP).

The federal government has banned the operation of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers throughout the nationwide capital. Violators will face penalties beneath Part 194(1) of the Motor Car Act, 1988, which interprets to a effective of Rs 20,000.

Extra vehicle-related restrictions embody prohibition of diesel-operated Medium Items Autos (MGVs) of BS-III requirements or beneath inside Delhi, except transporting important items or companies.

Restrictions have been applied for diesel Mild Industrial Autos (LCVs) registered exterior Delhi, with exceptions for important companies. A ban has been imposed on interstate buses, apart from these powered by electrical, CNG, or BS-VI diesel engines, except working beneath an All India Vacationer Allow.

Graded Response Motion Plan (GRAP-III)

GRAP-III, enacted by the Fee for Air High quality Administration (CAQM), brings a collection of interventions to fight extreme air pollution. These embody:

Intensified highway sweeping and water sprinkling, particularly on heavy site visitors corridors and air pollution hotspots.

An entire ban on demolition, earth excavation, and transportation of development waste.

Enhanced public transport companies, together with the deployment of 106 further shuttle buses and elevated metro practice journeys.

Staggered Workplace Timings

Delhi Chief Minister Atishi introduced yesterday staggered timings for presidency places of work within the metropolis to ease site visitors congestion given the air pollution ranges. Below the schedule, central authorities places of work will function from 9 am to five:30 pm, Delhi authorities places of work from 10 am to six:30 pm, and the Municipal Company of Delhi (MCD) places of work from 8:30 am to five pm.

Delhi LG VK Saxena issued a observe approving the staggered authorities workplace timings until February 2025, expressing dissatisfaction {that a} measure that ought to have been in place as a pre-emptive step was applied with a delay of a number of days.

Colleges for youngsters as much as Class 5 will transition to on-line studying after the weekend.  Non-public development and demolition actions are suspended, whereas authorities tasks deemed important will proceed. Transport division groups, with 280 personnel, have been deployed to implement these measures.