Stricter curbs have been announced by the Delhi government from Thursday onwards to tackle the alarming rise in air pollution levels. The curbs were announced as restrictions under GRAP-4, already in place from December 13, proved insufficient to lower the pollution.

For the past three days, the national capital was reeling under severe air pollution, prompting the authorities to impose additional curbs.

As part of the restrictions, vehicles below BS-VI will not be allowed to enter Delhi. Vehicles without valid PUC will not get fuel at petrol pumps. Private offices have also been directed to work on 50 per cent work from home rule.

Who all are exempt?

In an official communication, the government clarified that restrictions will not affect certain vehicles and services.

-Plying restrictions will not affect emergency vehicles, such as ambulance, police, emergency response teams and fire tenders, running on petrol and CNG vehicles.

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-For work from home rule, frontline workers like those working in hospitals, on duties related to fighting air pollution, fire department, etc will be exempted.

"Ambulances, fire tenders, police vehicles and other emergency response units operating on petrol or CNG will continue to function without interruption, ensuring that public safety and medical services are not impacted by the drive," the communication reads.

The clarification regarding exemption comes as authorities prepare for stricter action against those found violating emission norms, including those without valid Pollution Under Control certificates (PUCC).

Officials said the move is part of broader efforts to address air pollution, but public safety and emergency services will be given top priority.

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Delhi recorded an AQI of 358 early on Thursday morning, which is in 'very poor' category. On Wednesday, the 24-hour average AQI stood at 334, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

According to the CPCB, an AQI between 0 and 50 is considered 'good', 51-100 'satisfactory', 101-200 'moderate', 201-300 'poor', 301-400 'very poor' and 401-500 'severe'.

(With PTI Inputs)


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