AQT hits 450; CAQM says get all BS-IV diesel vehicles off the roads

NEW DELHI: The central pollution control authority on Thursday called for a series of sweeping new restrictions such as banning the entry of diesel trucks and use of older private diesel vehicles, and urged government to consider shutting schools and shifting offices to remote working as the Capital's air quality plunged to its worst level this year.

- Jasjeev Gandhiok

The 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) clocked in at 450 at 4pm and by 9pm, it rose to 454, with the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) noting that the situation would worsen further in coming days as farm fires, one of the principal factors behind the spike, continue to rage in Punjab.

"As per the forecast, the AQI in Delhi is likely to be in the 'severe+/severe' category in the next couple of days owing to calm winds and stable atmospheric conditions. Therefore, in an effort to prevent further deterioration of air quality, the GRAP Sub-Committee decided that all actions as envisaged under Stage IV of GRAP be implemented in right earnest by all agencies concerned," CAQM said in its order.

Implementing this order will now be up to the Delhi government. An official, who asked not to be named, said environment minister Gopal Rai will hold a high-level review meeting at 12pm on Friday to review the implementation of measures under Stage IV.

"The meeting will consist of environment department officials and from other departments and agencies that are required to implement the order," the official said.

The fourth stage of the graded response action plan (Grap) to fight pollution includes a ban on all diesel trucks and private diesel cars unless they comply to the newer Bharat Stage VI (BS-VI) emissions norms. All linear construction projects such as highways, roads and flyovers will also have to stop, the order issued by CAQM said.