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New Delhi: Delhi has been witnessing a worsening Air Quality Index (AQI) over the past few days. The government on Saturday announced a series of restrictions to tackle the deteriorating air conditions in the national capital.
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi recorded an AQI of 355 in the morning, placing the air quality in the “very poor” category. In the afternoon, Bawana reported an AQI of 410, while Dwarka recorded relatively cleaner air with an AQI of 201.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has ordered a ban on the entry of non-Delhi-registered BS-III and below-standard commercial goods vehicles into the city, effective from November 1.BS refers to Bharat Stage emission standards—the latest being BS-VI (or BS-6)—which are government-mandated regulations in India designed to control vehicular emissions. These standards define the maximum permissible limits of pollutants emitted by engines.
The Commission further stated that the restrictions aim to combat air pollution by reducing vehicular emissions in Delhi. As per the order, non-Delhi-registered Light Goods Vehicles (LGVs), Medium Goods Vehicles (MGVs), and Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) that do not meet BS-IV standards will not be permitted to enter the city.
Amid rising pollution levels, the Delhi government on Friday announced staggered working hours for employees of the Delhi government and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), effective from November 15.
According to an official release from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), Delhi government offices will now operate from 10:00 am to 6:30 pm, while MCD offices will function from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Furthermore, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta urged citizens to carpool and travel together to reduce vehicular emissions. She also encouraged residents to use public transport, such as the metro, more frequently. Gupta appealed to private firms to prioritise work-from-home arrangements wherever possible, given the city’s poor air quality.
The Municipal Corporation has also ordered a doubling of parking fees at sites managed by the civic body across New Delhi. The order stated that parking fees “have been enhanced to double the existing rate until the revocation of Stage 2 of GRAP (Graded Response Action Plan).”
However, the order clarified that the hike would not apply to on-street parking or monthly pass holders. Such hikes have been imposed in the capital during previous winter seasons as well. The revised parking rates now stand at Rs 40 per hour for four-wheelers, Rs 20 per hour for two-wheelers, and Rs 300 per hour for buses.
