Amid the worsening air quality in Delhi, the government has directed all offices, government and private, to operate with 50 per cent staff working from home. Authorities have warned that firms violating the order will face penalties.
GRAP Stage 4 measures enforced
According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board, the capital recorded some of the worst air quality levels this season on December 15, with the Air Quality Index touching 498 in the severe plus category during the morning. The sharp drop in air quality followed a steady decline from the previous day, when pollution levels first entered the severe category and later worsened further.
In response to the worsening pollution crisis, the Commission for Air Quality Management quickly enforced GRAP Stage 4 across Delhi. These are the strictest anti-pollution measures, aimed at controlling emissions and improving air quality in the city.
The Delhi government has announced a compensation of Rs 10,000 for registered construction workers who are currently out of work due to the ban on construction activities under the ongoing anti-pollution measures.
Dense smog covered the capital from Saturday to Monday, causing several road accidents, vehicle pile ups, and flight delays and cancellations. Poor visibility prompted Delhi airport and airlines to issue travel advisories.
Slight Improvement in Air Quality
After three days of severe conditions, Delhi saw a small improvement on Tuesday as stronger winds and reduced fog helped bring air quality down to the very poor category. The situation remains at this level so far. GRAP Stage Four includes a five-point action plan enforced across the entire National Capital Region, including Noida, Gurugram, and Faridabad. As part of these steps, entry of non-Delhi vehicles below BS six norms has been banned.
Fuel Restrictions for Non-Compliant Vehicles
The Delhi government has also ordered petrol pumps to deny fuel to vehicles that do not have a valid Pollution Under Control certificate.
