Delhi's air quality deteriorated to the 'very poor' level ahead of Diwali as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 385 at 8 AM today. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) held an urgent meeting on Monday and enforced the next stage of GRAP (Graded Response Action Plan) in NCR.
11-point restrictions and provisions have been enforced under GRAP-2. Diesel generators will no longer be allowed in residential, commercial, and industrial sites starting from 8 AM today, Tuesday, with the exception of emergency services, as per GRAP-2 regulations.
New restrictions will prohibit the use of coal and firewood in tandoors at hotels, restaurants, and open eateries, among other changes. The CAQM has also raised parking fees in order to discourage people from using private transportation.
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Additional measures involve mechanical or vacuuming sweeping, water sprinkling on marked roads, and applying dust control agents.
Gopal Rai, Delhi's environment minister, initiated the 'Red Light On Gaadi Off' campaign on Monday to address the escalating pollution crisis in the national capital. Starting the campaign, Rai urged drivers to cut pollution by switching off their car engines at red lights.
Rai further mentioned that the government has established a green war room to address pollution, initiated an anti-dust campaign, and is using bio-decomposer to break down stubble. The environment minister has also called on the Uttar Pradesh government to implement measures to manage pollution.
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As per the AQI reports from CPCB for 238 cities in the country, Delhi ranked as the most polluted city in the country on Monday. The air quality index of the capital city was 310. On October 19, the AQI stood at 306. Delhi's air quality is expected to stay in the very poor category for the next three days. After four months, the national capital's AQI has dropped to the very poor category.
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