Delhi tightens anti-pollution curbs as smog hits severe levels
Delhi tightens anti-pollution curbs as smog hits severe levels
Delhi imposes hybrid work, PUC checks and vehicle bans as AQI stays in the severe zone; authorities pledge longer-term action to curb pollution.
Delhi’s air quality has plunged into the ‘severe’ category for the third straight day, prompting the implementation of GRAP Stage IV restrictions and a new slate of curbs aimed at cutting emissions quickly. Officials say the measures are a stopgap while a longer-term strategy is developed.
Key rules include shifting offices to a hybrid work model with mandatory remote work for private and government offices, not allowing more than half of staff to attend the workplace, and exemptions for emergency workers and frontline staff. Essential services such as health, transport and sanitation services are spared from the cap.
A vehicle-entry ban targets outside-Delhi BS-VI vehicles, and those below BS-VI will be barred from entering the city when GRAP 3 and 4 are in effect. A mandatory PUC certificate for fuel purchases is also part of the plan, with enforcement by traffic police to curb emissions at the source.
The measures come as the Commission for Air Quality Management activated Stage IV restrictions following three consecutive days of severe AQI. The Supreme Court recently criticized the CAQM for not presenting a comprehensive pollution strategy, underscoring the need for a more coordinated approach.
Environment Minister Sirsa has signaled that Delhi will lean on technology-driven solutions, including coordinating with Google Maps to identify traffic hotspots and facilitate carpooling, in a bid to reduce trips and congestion.
