Delhi Pollution: Demolition, Construction Banned, Strict Guidelines Imposed from November 15

New Delhi, November 14, 2024 —

Delhi Pollution: In response to the worsening air quality in the capital, strict Stage III restrictions of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) are set to take effect from tomorrow, November 15, 2024, to combat severe pollution levels. The air quality in Delhi has remained in the “severe” category for two consecutive days, leading authorities to implement these stringent measures.

Key Highlights of GRAP Stage III Guidelines

Under the GRAP Stage III restrictions, all construction and demolition activities will be banned across Delhi to control dust and particulate matter. The restrictions also extend to all mining-related activities in the National Capital Region (NCR). Furthermore, the state government may consider moving classes for students up to Class 5 to an online format to protect young children from exposure to poor air quality.

To further curb pollution, intensified road cleaning operations will commence starting tomorrow. Daily water sprinkling, along with the use of dust suppressants, will be carried out along major roads and high-traffic areas before peak hours. Collected dust from these areas will be disposed of properly to minimize particulate resuspension.

Transportation Restrictions

To tackle emissions from vehicles, several restrictions have been announced:

• Diesel-operated Vehicles: Delhi-registered Medium Goods Vehicles (MGVs) of BS-III standards or below are restricted from plying within Delhi, with exceptions made only for essential services and goods.
• Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs): In Delhi and NCR districts like Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Budh Nagar, BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel LMVs are barred from operation.
• Inter-State Buses: Entry for inter-state buses powered by fuel sources other than EVs, CNG, or BS-VI diesel is prohibited in Delhi. However, exceptions are made for buses and Tempo Travelers with All India Tourist Permits.

Delhi Pollution: Further Measures and Monitoring

Authorities are closely monitoring the air quality levels in Delhi. The Stage III measures are in addition to previously implemented Stage I and Stage II actions, which included restricting heavy vehicles, promoting public transportation, and prohibiting open burning of waste.

The GRAP guidelines are part of a multi-stage plan by the Commission for Air Quality Management to tackle pollution across the NCR. Further restrictions may follow if pollution levels remain critically high.