In response to the air quality crisis in Delhi, the government has ordered all organizations, whether public or private, to operate with 50 percent of their workforce working from home. It has cautioned that any violations of this order will result in penalties. Delhi's Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa has partially apologized, acknowledging that pollution cannot be completely eradicated in 9-10 months.
On December 15, the capital experienced one of the season's worst air quality levels, with the AQI reaching 498 in the 'severe plus' category in the morning. This decline in air quality continued from the previous day, when it initially reached the severe level before escalating to the 'severe plus' category, as reported by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). In response to the crisis, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) swiftly implemented Grap IV, the most stringent anti-pollution measures, throughout the capital in an effort to address the issue.
The Delhi government will provide Rs 10,000 in compensation to registered construction workers affected by the construction ban due to anti-pollution measures.
Over the weekend, blinding smog led to multiple road accidents, vehicle pile-ups, and flight cancellations across the city. Visibility dropped drastically, prompting advisories from airlines and the Delhi airport. However, Delhi saw a slight improvement on Tuesday, with stronger winds helping the air quality improve to the very poor category, dropping the AQI from 354 to 329 by Wednesday morning.
GRAP IV
The GRAP IV action plan, effective across Delhi and the NCR, includes key measures to combat pollution, such as a ban on non-Delhi BS-VI vehicles and denial of fuel to vehicles without a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate. Schools for Classes 6-9 are now mandated to adopt hybrid mode (physical and online classes).
Key Developments:
BS-VI vehicles banned from entering Delhi
Fuel denied to vehicles without a valid PUC certificate
Hybrid mode for Classes 6-9 in Delhi and NCR schools
Environment Minister admits pollution won’t be eradicated in 9-10 months