Delhi’s air quality has plummeted to the “severe+” category for the first time this season, prompting the Centre’s air quality management panel to enforce stricter pollution control measures under Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). These measures will come into effect from 8 am on Monday.
The new restrictions include a ban on the entry of trucks into Delhi and a temporary suspension of construction activities for public projects.
As per the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 441 (Severe) at 4:00 PM and has worsened steadily, reaching 447, 452, and 457 by 5:00 PM, 6:00 PM, and 7:00 PM, respectively.
The panel also announced that non-essential light commercial vehicles registered outside Delhi will be barred from entering, except for Electric Vehicles (EVs), CNG vehicles, and BS-VI diesel vehicles. Medium and heavy diesel goods vehicles registered in Delhi that comply with BS-IV or older norms will also be restricted, except those providing essential services.
