Delhi Air Pollution Hits Record High; New Restriction to be Implemented in the Capital

Delhi's air pollution has reached alarming levels, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) surpassing 300 on Monday, October 21. This has placed the city in the 'very poor' category. In response, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has implemented the second phase of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the NCR following an emergency meeting prompted by the Central Pollution Control Board's (CPCB) warning. 

Under GRAP-2, eleven measures have been introduced to decrease pollution in the capital. Starting today, Tuesday, at 8 AM, the use of diesel generators in residential, commercial, and industrial areas is banned, except for essential services.

Delhi Pollution in ‘Very Poor’ Category

Delhi was the most polluted city in the nation on Monday, according to the CPCB's AQI assessment, which covered 238 cities. The national capital's AQI was 310. Earlier, the AQI was 306 on October 19. For the next three days, Delhi's air quality will continue to be classified as extremely poor. The national capital's AQI has finally fallen into the very poor range, within four months.

What is Restricted in Delhi?

Here’s a quick look at what is allowed and not allowed in Delhi after the implementation of GRAP-2:

• Prohibition of diesel generators in commercial, industrial, and residential buildings.
• There are plans to raise parking costs, the number of CNG-electric buses, and the metro.
• The use of diesel generators for emergency services is exempt.
• CAQM has been instructed to raise the parking price under GRAP-2 to lessen the burden of private automobiles on the roadways.
• In addition, directives have been issued to enhance the frequency of CNG and electric buses, as well as the metro, in the National Capital Region.
• CAQM has urged individuals to use public transportation instead of driving their own cars.
• Citizens have been instructed to only do construction work that produces dust in January.
• Delhites are also instructed to avoid burning trash or wood outside.

ALSO READ: 'Red Light On, Gaadi Off' Campaign: Delhi Gov Once Again in Action Against air pollution

ALSO READ: Economic Freedom of the World 2024: India Tops Neighboring Countries, Pakistan Ranks Last