In the throes of a relentless crisis fueled by severe air pollution in Delhi. Delhi’s Air Now Hazardous: Equivalent to 31 Cigarettes a Day The government has responded with unwavering determination, implementing a series of proactive measures. This includes a significant announcement of an early winter break for schools, effective from November 9 to 18. The urgency of this rescheduling becomes palpable against the backdrop of deteriorating air quality, serving as a poignant reminder of the gravity of the situation.
This decisive decision not only underscores the government’s commitment to addressing the environmental emergency but also mandates the temporary cessation of physical classes in all educational institutions. Notably, this suspension extends until November 10, with the exception of classes 10 and 12, accentuating the depth of concern and the imperative need for immediate action in the face of the escalating air pollution crisis.
Air Quality Plummets to ‘Severe’: Stricter Measures Implemented
The overall air quality in Delhi has plummeted back to the ‘severe’ category, reaching an alarming Air Quality Index (AQI) of 421 according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). This reversal comes just a day after a marginal improvement had shifted it to the ‘very poor’ category. Numerous air monitoring stations, including Anand Vihar, Dwarka, Shadipur, and others, recorded AQI levels above 400, intensifying concerns among residents.
Driving Bans to Tackle Pollution: What You Need to Know
Simultaneously, New Delhi has imposed stringent driving bans to combat the escalating pollution crisis. As part of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) under Stage 4, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has implemented several restrictions on vehicles:
- Delhi has banned the entry of all petrol and diesel trucks, except those carrying essential commodities. CNG and electric trucks retain entry permissions.
- The operation of 10-year-old diesel and 15-year-old petrol vehicles is completely prohibited.
- BS3 Petrol, BS3, and BS4 Diesel cars registered outside Delhi face a ban. This restriction aligns with Bharat Stage (BS) emission standards, emphasizing emission control and engine efficiency.
- Petrol cars complying with BS4 and BS6 emission norms are still permitted on Delhi roads.
- BS6 diesel cars maintain authorization to run in Delhi-NCR.
These measures aim to curb vehicular emissions and improve the air quality index in the city, addressing the persistent issue of Delhi’s hazardous air. As the city grapples with toxic smog, attributed in part to stubble burning by farmers in neighboring states, the need for decisive actions becomes increasingly apparent.
In conclusion, Delhi finds itself at a critical juncture as it grapples with the devastating impact of severe air pollution. The decision to advance the winter break for schools, coupled with the reversion of overall air quality to the ‘severe’ category, paints a grim picture of the challenges faced by the capital.
Simultaneously, the stringent driving bans imposed to tackle pollution underscore the urgency of addressing vehicular emissions. With specific restrictions on trucks, aging vehicles, and adherence to Bharat Stage emission standards, the authorities aim to mitigate the environmental crisis that has thrust Delhi into the unenviable position of the world’s most polluted city.
As Delhi navigates these challenges, it is evident that a multi-faceted approach is imperative, encompassing both immediate interventions, such as school closures and driving bans, and long-term strategies to address the root causes of air pollution. The collective responsibility to safeguard the well-being of Delhi’s residents and combat the hazardous levels of pollution remains a pressing concern for the government and the community at large. Only through concerted efforts can Delhi hope to breathe cleaner air and secure a healthier future for its populace.