As per the Central Pollution Control Board, the overall air quality in the National Capital remains in the “severe” category for the fifth consecutive day. The System of Air Quality Forecasting and Research (SAFAR-India) reported that the National Capital’s air quality was 488 today, up from 410 the previous day. In the meantime, in light of the rising pollution, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai has convened a meeting of all relevant departments for today, according to a brief statement from his office.
The statement further informed that the meeting has been called to strictly implement GRAP-4.
This comes after the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Sunday decided to invoke Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in the entire National Capital Region (NCR) with immediate effect to prevent further deterioration of air quality.The Air Quality Commission said that Stage IV will be implemented in addition to the restrictions placed under Stage I to III.
According to the 8-point action plan, there will be a ban on entry of truck traffic into Delhi (except for trucks carrying essential commodities/ providing essential services and all LNG/ CNG/ electric trucks). Also, a ban will be imposed on the plying of Delhi-registered diesel-operated Medium Goods Vehicles (MGVs) and Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) in Delhi, except those carrying essential commodities/ providing essential services.