Delhi has implemented Stage-4 of its emergency anti-pollution measures as the city’s air quality reached hazardous levels. At 9 a.m. on Monday, the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded a severe 485, signaling a “severe plus” classification that poses significant health risks.
The emergency measures were triggered on Sunday evening after the AQI in Delhi surged to 457. As part of the response, diesel trucks have been banned from the city, schools are closed, and remote work has been mandated, following recommendations from the Centre for Air Quality Management (CAQM).
The Air Quality Index (AQI) is categorized as follows: 0-50 is considered “good,” 51-100 “satisfactory,” 101-200 “moderate,” 201-300 “poor,” 301-400 “very poor,” 401-450 “severe,” and anything above 450 is classified as “severe plus.”
In response to the deteriorating air quality, the Centre for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has rolled out an aggressive 8-point action plan to tackle the rising pollution levels and safeguard public health. These measures will be enforced throughout the National Capital Region (NCR) and will remain in effect until air quality conditions improve.
A total ban will be imposed on the entry of non-essential trucks into Delhi, with exceptions for those transporting essential goods, providing essential services, or powered by LNG, CNG, electric, or BS-VI compliant diesel engines.
Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) registered outside Delhi will also be banned from entering the capital, except for electric, CNG, or BS-VI diesel vehicles, with exemptions granted for those involved in essential services.
A stringent ban will be enforced on Delhi-registered BS-IV and lower diesel-powered Medium and Heavy Goods Vehicles (MGVs and HGVs). Exceptions will only be made for vehicles transporting essential goods or providing essential services.
All construction and demolition (C&D) activities, including those for public infrastructure projects like roads, highways, flyovers, and power transmission lines, will be halted. The suspension also applies to linear public projects, such as pipelines and telecommunication work.
Delhi Chief Minister Atishi announced that in-person classes will be suspended for all students, except those in classes 10 and 12, as the city grapples with hazardous pollution levels for the sixth consecutive day.
Public, municipal, and private offices are mandated to operate at 50% capacity, with the rest of the staff working from home. The central government will determine work-from-home guidelines for its employees.
Given the critical air quality situation, the governments of Delhi and NCR states may consider introducing further emergency measures, including closing colleges and educational institutions, suspending non-essential commercial activities, and implementing an odd-even scheme for vehicles.
