Twitter
Advertisement

Delhi chokes again as smog strikes

Calm, low winds and moderate to dense fog have attributed to the spike and the Central Pollution Control Board's (CPCB) task force on the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) has recommended a series of measures.

Latest News
article-main
FacebookTwitterWhatsappLinkedin

Delhi is choking, again. Air quality in the Capital spiked to 'severe +' category on Thursday with Anand Vihar recording PM10 levels of 713 and PM2.5 levels of 431 in the evening. Calm, low winds and moderate to dense fog have attributed to the spike and the Central Pollution Control Board's (CPCB) task force on the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) has recommended a series of measures.

Among the recommendations under GRAP are the closure of brick kilns, hot mix plants and stone crushers, intensifying public transport services and frequent sprinkling of water. Brick kilns would have to be non-operational till January 31. The CPCB task force has also recommended closure of coal-based industries from January 15 to 30, in view of the ASEAN summit to be held in Delhi in January.

Further, it has also said there should readiness for implementing the odd-even scheme for private vehicles, except emergency services and that there should be zero tolerance for unauthorized industrial activities. The recommendations of the CPCB task force will be vetted by the Supreme Court-mandated Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority and issue final directions to authorities in Delhi and National Capital Region.

CPCB's task force on GRAP convenes meetings when the air quality dips and takes inputs from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) for curbing pollution. "As per the inputs from IMD, the winds will continue to be calm for a few days and we will discuss the directions to be issued to authorities with the EPCA tomorrow," said A.Sudhakar, member secretary, CPCB.

In November, when Delhi's pollution levels spiked to more than 10 times above safe limits, the EPCA had issued directions to increase public transportation services and had also asked the Delhi Metro to reduce fares during off-peak hours. It had also asked for a crackdown on dust pollution and a four-time hike in parking fees.

Find your daily dose of news & explainers in your WhatsApp. Stay updated, Stay informed-  Follow DNA on WhatsApp.
Advertisement

Live tv

Advertisement
Advertisement