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New Delhi: Amid worsening air pollution in Delhi, several strict measures will come into effect in the national capital from Thursday, including a ban on the entry of all private non-Delhi vehicles below BS VI standards and "no PUCC, no fuel" rule. The Delhi government has also directed all offices to operate with 50% strength and allow the remaining staff to work from home (WFH) from today.
Anti-pollution measures kick in
Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa on Wednesday announced a series of steps to curb air pollution in the national capital that will be implemented from today. These include allowing vehicles with BS-VI into the city, not giving fuel without a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC) and integrated traffic system. A car-pooling app will also be launched to ease vehicular congestion and reduce the number of private vehicles on roads.
Addressing a press conference, Sirsa said that the government is working with the traffic police to develop an integrated traffic management system. "Currently, it happens that even if there is a long jam, the traffic light will remain red for a certain period. This aggravates jams. We are working on a system wherein if there is a jam, the duration for which the traffic signal remains red can be reduced," he said.
"We are trying to develope a car-pooling app that is easy for people to download and use, in an attempt to encourage Delhiites to share rides," he said.
Toxic air grips Delhi
Delhi is currently grappling with toxic smog with Air Quality Index (AQI) levels reaching hazardous highs in the city and remaining in the 'very poor' category above 300 on most days and often rising to the 'severe' category beyond 400. The air pollution in the city peaks, especially in the winter months, affecting even healthy individuals.
According to the CPCB, an AQI between 0 and 50 is considered 'good', 51-100 'satisfactory', 101-200 'moderate', 201-300 'poor', 301-400 'very poor' and 401-500 'severe'.
