Anand Vihar Declared Pollution Hotspot; Authorities Revise Bus Parking Norms

In an effort to address rising pollution levels in one of Delhi’s critical hotspots, authorities are preparing to relax parking rules at the Anand Vihar bus terminal. The existing 25-minute parking window, after which drivers are charged Rs 540, is expected to be extended to a one-hour limit. Officials believe this change will discourage drivers from parking their buses on adjacent roads to avoid fees, a major cause of traffic congestion and vehicular emissions in the area.

Anand Vihar, one of Delhi’s busiest interstate bus terminals connecting Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, witnesses heavy daily traffic. Opposite it lies Kaushambi Bus Terminal, further intensifying the load. With drivers often exiting the terminal to avoid parking fees, long queues of idling buses frequently block the arterial road, worsening pollution.

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According to DSIIDC officials, the parking fee system currently in place was introduced during the high-pollution period. Once air quality improves, the revised measures may be withdrawn, and the earlier rules reinstated.

During an inspection on Wednesday, MCD Additional Commissioner Leeladhar Meghwal and Deputy Commissioner Badal Kumar found eight buses parked illegally on the roadside and issued fines on the spot. Meghwal directed officials to expedite construction work near the AQI station by deploying additional staff and instructed that the nearby smog tower be operated for longer durations.

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The Municipal Corporation of Delhi said it is taking all possible steps to reduce emissions and improve air quality in the Anand Vihar area, which continues to remain on the city’s pollution watchlist.