The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) enforced Stage-III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) starting Friday, 15 November, as air quality in the Delhi-NCR region hits dangerously high levels.
The decision has worried truck drivers, who fear it will cause financial strain due to restrictions on older vehicles, including BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel trucks.
As part of Stage-III measures aimed at curbing pollution, authorities have imposed stringent restrictions on vehicles that do not meet the latest emission standards.
This includes limiting the movement of older commercial vehicles, such as BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel trucks, a move that many truck drivers fear will threaten their livelihood.
These drivers, already struggling with rising fuel costs and loan repayments for their vehicles, are concerned that the ban will leave them with limited income opportunities.
The region is facing a sharp rise in the Air Quality Index (AQI), which has hit 424, placing it in the “Very Poor” category, prompting this decision.
Meteorological conditions, including dense fog and north-westerly winds, have worsened the pollution situation, trapping harmful particles in the region and preventing any significant improvement in air quality.
With the AQI remaining near 425, authorities predict that the situation will persist for the coming days, pushing the air quality deeper into the ‘Very Poor’ range.
Additionally, the CAQM has rolled out a series of measures under Stage-III of GRAP, triggered when AQI levels reach between 401 and 450.
Authorities are prioritizing the regulation of construction and demolition (C&D) operations, and implementing a ban on dust-intensive activities like excavation, piling, and demolition.
Additionally, there are restrictions in place on road construction and the transport of construction materials during this period to minimize environmental impact.
Authorities To Boost Public Transport To Combat Pollution
Authorities will scale up public transport services to provide commuters with cleaner alternatives to private vehicle use, including offering differential fare rates to encourage off-peak travel.
They will also shut down certain mining activities and stone crushers across the NCR to curb dust and particulate pollution.
As part of efforts to involve citizens in reducing pollution, the CAQM has recommended adopting cleaner practices, such as walking, cycling, and using public transport for short trips.
Authorities advise those with the flexibility to work from home to do so in order to reduce the number of vehicles on the road.
They are also encouraging the use of electric heaters over traditional coal or wood-burning methods to reduce emissions during colder months.
This year’s decision to invoke Stage-III of GRAP came later than in 2023, when similar measures were implemented on 2 November.
The delay reflects the ongoing challenge of managing air pollution during the winter season, as weather patterns continue to exacerbate the situation.
