New Delhi: The National Capital Region (NCR) woke up to worsening air quality on Tuesday as the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) activated Stage-III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), following a sharp rise in pollution levels. (Delhi Air Quality)
The city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) surged to 425 at 9 am, up from 362 on Monday, as calm winds and a stable atmosphere prevented the dispersal of pollutants, officials said. With this deterioration, authorities have implemented additional curbs under Stage-III, supplementing the measures already in force since October 15.
Under the latest restrictions, all non-essential construction and demolition activities have been suspended across the NCR. Industries such as brick kilns, hot-mix plants, and stone crushers that do not use clean fuel have also been ordered to halt operations.
In terms of vehicular restrictions, BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers are prohibited in Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Buddh Nagar. Medium-goods vehicles running on BS-IV or lower diesel are also barred, except those engaged in essential goods or services. (Delhi Air Quality)
Authorities have called for mechanised road sweeping and water sprinkling to be intensified to reduce dust pollution. Traffic police will be stationed at congestion points to ensure smooth vehicular movement and compliance with the curbs. Citizens are advised to work from home wherever feasible, use public transport, and limit personal vehicle usage. Violations can be reported through the Green Delhi or Sameer mobile applications.
Stage-IV measures will be triggered if the AQI exceeds 450, according to the CAQM, which will continue hourly monitoring of air quality levels.
The governments of Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh have been directed to ensure strict enforcement of the restrictions to contain pollution and protect public health.
The situation highlights the ongoing struggle of NCR cities with seasonal smog and urban pollution, prompting authorities to maintain heightened vigilance over the coming days.
