Delhi-NCR pollution: Centre tightens curbs, revises plan to tackle winter air quality
A Central panel has revised the Delhi-NCR air quality plan — mandating stricter measures during pollution spikes, including hybrid learning for schools and restrictions on non-essential diesel vehicles. measures to protect vulnerable groups during winter months.
Air pollution curbs were strengthened on Saturday amid continued concerns in the Delhi-NCR region. A Central panel issued a revised plan of action — asking states to implement stricter measures when the air quality deteriorates. Schools have also been asked to adopt hybrid learning for days with severe air pollution.
Restrictions have been tightened across all four categories of the Graded Response Action Plan adopted in the region to combat air pollution. The first stage comes into play when the AQI dips to ‘poor’ category and stands between 201 and 300. Stage II applies to an AQI between 301 and 400 while Stage III is implemented for a severe AQI between 401 and 450. Anything higher than an AQI of 450 falls under the ‘severe plus’ category with Stage IV restrictions in place.
The new plan will see many restrictions implemented in earlier stages as the Centre makes a fresh bid to tackle winter pollution.
Inter-state buses from the NCR states will now be stopped from entering Delhi under Stage II — previously a Stage III restriction. Electric vehicles and those running CNG or BS-VI diesel remain exempt. People with disabilities remain exempt from restrictions imposed on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel cars in Delhi and the districts of Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Budh Nagar under Stage III.
The Delhi government has been directed to ban diesel medium goods vehicles with BS-IV or older standards — except those carrying essential goods or services, within the city under Stage III. Non-essential diesel light commercial vehicles of BS-IV or older standards — registered outside Delhi — will not be allowed to enter the city. Previously, such restrictions applied only to BS-III vehicles.
Resident welfare associations will now be required to provide electric heaters to security staff as well as workers involved in sanitation, gardening, and other services in order to prevent open burning of biomass or solid waste during winters.
Delhi and its neighbouring areas have seen the air quality deteriorating year after year — with recent studies tracing it to vehicular emissions, stubble burning and more. According to a recent statement by the Centre of Excellence for Research in Climate Change and Air Pollution, more than 50% of the the local pollution has been traced to the city's fragmented transportation system.
The panel has also mandated that schools and colleges in Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Budh Nagar shift classes up to Class V to hybrid mode (both online and offline) under Stage III. Students and parents will have the option to choose online education wherever it is available.
Under Stage IV, which is invoked when the AQI crosses the 450 mark, schools in Delhi and NCR districts will be required to conduct classes for students from Class VI to IX and XI in the hybrid mode.
The Delhi and NCR state governments have also been directed to stagger timings for public offices and municipal bodies under Stage III. The Centre may decide on similar staggered timings for central government offices in Delhi-NCR.
(With inputs from agencies)
Catch all the Business News , Breaking News Events and Latest News Updates on Live Mint. Download The Mint News App to get Daily Market Updates.
Business NewsNewsIndiaDelhi-NCR pollution: Centre tightens curbs, revises plan to tackle winter air quality
First Published:14 Dec 2024, 03:15 PM IST
- Top Gainers
- Top Losers
- 52 Week High