Punjab Newsline | New Delhi
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has announced the implementation of Stage 3 measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR after air quality deteriorated to the severe category.
The restrictions are triggered when the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaches between 401 and 450, falling under the 'severe' category. The measures aim to reduce pollution levels by limiting vehicular movement, construction activities and other pollution-generating operations.
Under GRAP Stage 3, government, municipal and private offices have been directed to restrict physical attendance to 50 per cent of their workforce. The remaining employees have been advised to work from home to reduce daily commuting and traffic congestion.
Several non-essential activities have also been prohibited under the restrictions. All non-essential construction and demolition work will remain suspended. Stone-crushing operations and mining activities have also been banned, as these are considered significant contributors to air pollution.
In addition, restrictions have been imposed on the movement of older vehicles in several parts of Delhi-NCR.
BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers will not be allowed to operate in Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddh Nagar.
The entry of older diesel goods vehicles into Delhi has also been prohibited as part of the pollution-control measures.
The implementation of GRAP Stage 3 is aimed at curbing major sources of pollution and preventing further deterioration in air quality across the national capital region.
