Delhi Air Pollution: Delhi is under the grip of ever-increasing air pollution as the Air Quality Index (AQI) entered the ‘severe’ category on Tuesday. According to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR), the city’s overall air quality index (AQI) stood at 418 on Sunday morning.
In view of the worsening air pollution, the Delhi government has imposed a temporary ban on plying of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers in the national capital till January 12.
“As per the directions given under Phase III of the Revised GRAP and Section 115 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, it is ordered that BS-III, Petrol and BS-IV, Diesel LMVs (4-Wheelers) in the NCT of Delhi with immediate effect, till the date 12.01.2023 or till the downward revision in the GRAP stage, whichever is earlier,” the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) said in a statement.
GRAP Phase III reimplemented
Earlier on January 6, the Centre’s air quality panel reimplemented the third phase of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR. This includes a ban on non-essential construction and demolition work.
The sub-committee on GRAP in a review meeting had said that the AQI is likely to worsen in the coming days due to adverse weather conditions. It directed authorities in Delhi-NCR to implement restrictions under Phase III of the anti-pollution plan with immediate effect.
Read also: Delhi-NCR Air Pollution: GRAP Phase III Revised, Non-Essential Construction Work Banned
Specifically, an AQI between 0 and 100 is considered good, while 100 and 200 is considered moderate, 201 and 300 ‘poor’, 301 and 400 ‘very poor’ and 401 and 500 ‘severe’. is believed.
(with inputs from agencies)