Severe anti-pollution curbs back as air quality worsens

Delhi’s air quality worsened on Friday and remained in the ‘very poor’ category, prompting the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) to announce a ban on construction and demolition activities across the National Capital Region, along with other emergency measures.

The pollution watchdog prohibited the plying of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers in Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Buddha Nagar. Schools will shift to hybrid mode (both online and classroom teaching) for up to Class 5 in these districts. While the city’s overall air quality index (AQI) stood at 354 in the on Friday evening, several stations, including Anand Vihar, Vivek Vihar and Pusa, recorded ‘severe’ (401-450) levels.

The restrictions fall under Stage-III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). Measures under Stages I and II will continue. “Keeping in view the prevailing trend of air quality, and in an effort to prevent further deterioration, the sub-committee has decided to invoke all actions under Stage-III with immediate effect across the NCR,” stated a CAQM release. The curbs will take effect once State governments issue implementation orders.

Major PM2.5 reduction

 Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said agencies have been directed to deploy mist spray systems on all Public Works Department roads, especially at 62 identified pollution hotspots. 

Earlier, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta chaired a meeting and said a comprehensive, time-bound plan is being developed, with Central government’s support, to tackle air pollution. Ms. Gupta said Delhi aims for a “substantial reduction” in PM2.5 levels over the next four years.

The CM outlined plans to expand the bus fleet to 6,000 by December 2026, 7,500 by December 2027, 10,400 by March 2028, and 14,000 by March 2029.