The air in and around the country’s capital, Delhi, is becoming increasingly poisonous. Amid rising levels of air pollution, despite control measures including banning trucks and suspending construction work on public projects, the AQI figure hit a record 500 on Tuesday morning . According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Punjabi Bagh, Pusa, Rohini, Shadipur, Sonia Vihar, Vivek Vihar, Wazirpur, Alipur, Anand Vihar, Bawana, Jahangirpuri, Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, Narela, Nehru Nagar and Pratapganj of Delhi AQI level has reached 500 in the areas.
In view of the rising pollution levels, Delhi University and JNU have announced online classes.
Office timings changed due to pollution in Delhi
In view of the dangerous level of pollution in Delhi, the timings of government offices have been modified. Now the work will be carried out at the MCD offices from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. While the Delhi government offices will operate from 10:00 am to 6:30 pm We tell you that due to the pollution in Delhi, the decision has been made to open and close offices at different times.
Due to pollution, there is smog in many areas of Delhi. Many flights have been affected due to reduced visibility. In view of the increasing pollution, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has implemented the fourth phase of the modified Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR from 8 am today, 18 November 2024. Furthermore, schools up to grade 9 have been asked to conduct online classes and masks have been made mandatory for children from grades 10 to 12. At the same time, many things have been banned, such as construction work and diesel generators.
Also Read: Delhi: Major decision by DU and JNU amid dangerous pollution, announcement of start of online classes.
These restrictions have been imposed on Grape-4
1. Truck entry closed in Delhi (except trucks carrying essential goods or providing essential services). However, all LNG/CNG/Electric/BS-VI diesel trucks will be allowed to enter Delhi.
2. Light commercial vehicles (except vehicles used for essential goods or services) registered outside Delhi, other than electric, CNG or BS-VI diesel vehicles, cannot enter Delhi.
3. Strict ban on plying of Medium Goods Vehicles (MGV) and Heavy Duty Vehicles (HGVS) with diesel engine of BS-IV and below registered in Delhi. However, vehicles used for essential goods or services have been exempted from this.
4. Like Grape-3, ban on construction and development activities of public projects like highways, roads, flyovers, flyover bridges, power transmission, oil pipelines, telecommunications, etc.
5. NCR and GNCTD State Governments may decide to suspend physical classes up to Class VI, IX and Class XI and conduct classes in online mode.
6. NCR/GNCTD State Governments may take a decision on allowing public, municipal and private offices to function at 50% capacity and the rest to work from home.
7. A decision may be taken on allowing employees in central government offices to work from home.
8. State governments may consider additional emergency measures. Such as the closure of schools/educational institutions, the closure of non-emergency commercial activities, allowing vehicles to circulate on an even or odd basis according to the registered numbers.
9. Citizens can be appealed to respect the Citizens’ Charter. Assist in the implementation of the GRAP-I, GRAP-II and GRAP-III Citizen Charter to maintain and improve air quality in the area.
10. Children, elderly people suffering from heart and respiratory diseases, people suffering from mental illnesses or those suffering from any chronic illness may be advised to avoid going outside.
