On Saturday morning, Delhi’s air quality index (AQI) clocked in at 355, a ‘very poor’ category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
By afternoon, Bawana recorded 410, while Dwarka, even one of the city’s cleaner pockets, sat at 201.
With the smog showing no sign of lifting, the Delhi government has rolled out a set of emergency measures to keep pollution levels from spiralling further.
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Ban on older commercial vehicles
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has ordered a ban on the entry of all non-Delhi-registered BS-III (Bharat Stage III) and below-standard commercial goods vehicles from November 1.
“The move is aimed at reducing vehicular emissions and addressing the air quality in the Capital and nearby regions,” the CAQM said in its statement.
Under the new 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 allowed entry into the city.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta also announced a change in working hours for the Delhi government and Municipal Corporation offices.
“Opt for carpooling and travel with others to reduce emissions from your vehicles,” she urged.
“This has been done to ensure that the pressure of vehicles on the Capital's roads does not increase all at once and is evenly distributed,” the government said in a release.
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Currently, Delhi government offices function from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM, while the Municipal Corporation operates from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Gupta noted that the narrow half-hour gap between closing times leads to severe congestion.
Notably, the New Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) has doubled parking fees across civic-managed lots in the city. The order noted that the parking fee “has been enhanced to double the existing fee till the revocation of Stage 2 of Grap.”
