Delhi has turned into a gas chamber, with the air becoming toxic due to severe pollution. The city’s air quality has reached a record-breaking severe plus or very poor category. The AQI has spiked, and the air temperature in Delhi has crossed 480 since this morning.
To tackle this pollution crisis, the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-4) has been implemented across Delhi-NCR from 8 am today. Trucks entering from outside the state are banned, with only those carrying essential goods like CNG and electricity being allowed entry. Light commercial vehicles registered outside Delhi are also prohibited from entering.
The ban extends to diesel-powered medium and heavy goods vehicles with BS-4 or lower engines. Authorities have tightened checks at key entry points since last night. All construction and demolition activities in Delhi-NCR have been suspended, and all classes, except for 10th and 12th, will remain closed indefinitely. Online classes are recommended for students.
Government and private offices have been instructed to allow 50% of employees to work from home, with others to follow suit. The central government is also considering work-from-home arrangements for its employees. In addition, the authorities have implemented the odd-even driving rule for vehicles in Delhi. Children, senior citizens, and individuals with respiratory or heart issues have been urged to stay indoors.
Delhi’s air quality index has consistently remained above 400 for weeks, reaching 457 at 7 pm yesterday. A meeting of the GRAP sub-committee convened urgently to address the crisis, resulting in the implementation of GRAP-4 measures.