Delhi-NCR pollution situation worsens, AQI crosses 500 in many areas, schools closed in Noida-Gurugram too – delhi ncr air pollution aqi 500 noida severe plus schools du colleges go online health ntc
The air in the national capital Delhi and surrounding areas is continuously becoming poisonous. Amid rising levels of air pollution, despite control measures including ban on entry of trucks and suspension of construction work on public projects, the AQI figure reached a record high of 500 on Tuesday morning. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi’s Punjabi Bagh, Pusa, Rohini, Shadipur, Sonia Vihar, Vivek Vihar, Wazirpur, Alipur, Anand Vihar, Bawana, Jahangirpuri, Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, Narela, Nehru Nagar and Pratapganj. AQI level has reached 500 in the areas.
In view of the increasing pollution levels, Delhi University and JNU have announced online classes.
Office timings changed due to pollution in Delhi
In view of the dangerous level of pollution in Delhi, the timings of government offices have been changed. Now work will be done in MCD offices from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. Whereas Delhi government offices will work from 10:00 am to 6:30 pm. Let us tell you that in view of pollution in Delhi, a decision has been taken to open and close offices at different times.
Due to pollution, there is smog in many areas of Delhi. Many flights have been affected due to reduced visibility. In view of the increasing pollution, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has implemented the fourth phase of the modified Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR from 8 am today, 18 November 2024. Besides, schools up to class 9th have been asked to run online classes and masks have been made mandatory for children of class 10th-12th. At the same time, many things like construction work, diesel generators have been banned.
Also read: Delhi: Important decision of DU and JNU amid dangerous pollution, announcement of starting online classes.
These restrictions have been imposed in Grape-4
1. Entry of trucks closed in Delhi (except trucks carrying essential goods/providing essential services). However, all LNG/CNG/Electric/BS-VI diesel trucks will be allowed to enter Delhi.
2. Light commercial vehicles (except vehicles used for essential goods or services) registered outside Delhi, other than EVs/CNG/BS-VI diesel, are not allowed to enter Delhi.
3. Strict ban on plying of Diesel-powered Medium Goods Vehicles (MGV) and Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVS) of BS-IV and below registered in Delhi. However, vehicles used for essential goods or services have been exempted from this.
4. Like Grape-3, ban on construction and development activities for public projects like highways, roads, flyovers, overbridges, power transmission, pipelines, telecommunication etc.
5. State governments of NCR and GNCTD may decide to stop physical classes up to Class-VI, IX and Class XI and conduct classes in online mode.
6. State Governments of NCR/GNCTD may take a decision on allowing public, municipal and private offices to function at 50% capacity and the rest to work from home.
7. A decision can be taken on allowing employees in central government offices to work from home.
8. State governments may consider additional emergency measures. Such as closure of colleges/educational institutions, closure of non-emergency commercial activities, allowing vehicles to ply on odd-even basis based on registered numbers.
9. Citizens can be appealed to follow the Citizens Charter. Assist in implementation of Citizen’s Charter of GRAP-I, GRAP-II and GRAP-III to maintain and improve air quality in the area.
10. Children, elderly people suffering from heart and respiratory diseases, people suffering from mental illness or suffering from any chronic disease may be advised to avoid going outside.
