The Delhi administration has formulated a comprehensive anti-pollution plan well before the onset of the winter pollution season, which can lead to work-from-home policy, vehicle restrictions, and construction work controls.
As per reports, the proposed plan is supposed to be implemented each year starting from November 1 to February 28 and would operate parallel to the GRAP, which comes into force depending on the pollution levels in the NCR region.
This move is anticipated to change the paradigm of dealing with pollution in Delhi to a more structured one than the current system of reacting on emergency basis to the worsening air quality in those months.
Vehicle restrictions and fuel curbs under consideration
One of the major proposals under discussion is a ban on fuel sales to vehicles that do not possess a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate.
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Sources told NDTV that authorities are also considering restrictions on non-BS-VI commercial vehicles registered outside Delhi. If approved, such vehicles may be barred from entering the capital between November 1 and January 31, although exemptions are likely for CNG, electric, emergency and government vehicles.
The plan also proposes doubling parking charges at authorised parking facilities during the winter months to discourage the use of private vehicles and reduce traffic-related emissions.
Officials believe these measures could help lower vehicular pollution, one of the major contributors to Delhi's seasonal air quality crisis.
Work-from-home and staggered timings proposed
The government is also examining traffic-reduction measures that include staggered office timings and a possible 50 per cent work-from-home policy for both government and private offices.
According to sources, these steps may be activated during periods when pollution levels are expected to rise significantly because of low wind speeds, temperature inversion and increased emissions.
Authorities hope the measures will reduce daily traffic volumes and help ease pressure on the city's transport network during peak pollution periods.
Construction sites to face tighter scrutiny
Construction and demolition activities are expected to come under stricter monitoring under the proposed framework. Additional restrictions may be imposed between December 10 and January 20, a period often associated with severe pollution episodes in Delhi.
Large construction projects and commercial high-rises could be required to install anti-smog guns and mist suppression systems to minimise dust emissions. Movement restrictions may also be imposed on vehicles transporting construction materials during periods of high pollution.
The government is further expected to strengthen enforcement against open burning of waste, leaves and garbage.
Focus on prevention over emergency response
These resident welfare associations, contractors and institutions would have to comply with stringent pollution control standards; while the use of drones and inspections can help monitor their compliance with these standards. They stated that legal actions for environmental penalties can be taken against the violators.
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In the winter season, air quality in Delhi as well as in the entire NCR region witnesses a significant dip due to various reasons including local emissions, weather conditions and other seasonal factors. It is expected that with the implementation of the proposed framework, some preventive actions could be taken beforehand when pollution levels become extremely alarming.
Once it is implemented, it will be the largest seasonal pollution control strategy of Delhi to deal with winter smog.
FAQs
Q1. What are the important features of the proposed winter pollution control plan of Delhi?
It includes provisions for 50 per cent work-from-home, prohibition of vehicles without PUC certificate and stringent pollution controls.
Q2. From which period will these proposed pollution control measures be applicable?
The plan is expected to run annually from November 1 to February 28, besides the already existing GRAP framework.
