Fri Nov 15 10:50:58 UTC 2024: ## Delhi Implements Strictest Air Quality Measures as Smog Chokes City

**New Delhi, India** – As Delhi’s air quality plummeted to “severe” levels, reaching the highest in the country, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has implemented Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) today.

This drastic measure brings significant restrictions on various activities, including:

* **Construction and demolition halted**
* **Non-essential mining suspended**
* **Ban on non-electric, non-CNG, and non-BS-VI diesel interstate buses**
* **Schools suggested to close for students up to Class 5**
* **Ban on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers from 8 am**
* **Commercial vehicles banned from entering Delhi**

The CAQM has also ordered increased mechanized road sweeping and water sprinkling, especially before peak traffic hours. The government urges residents to carpool and use public transportation.

The Delhi Metro has announced an additional 20 trips on weekdays, adding to the 40 already in place, in response to the severe air quality.

This decision comes despite Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai initially stating that Stage 3 wouldn’t be implemented due to anticipated weather improvement. However, the city woke up to thick smog on Thursday morning, with visibility significantly reduced. Over 200 flights were delayed as a result.

The city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 428 on Thursday morning, with 32 of the 39 monitoring stations recording levels above 400.

The deteriorating air quality has led to political tensions, with the BJP blaming the AAP-led Delhi government for the situation. BJP’s Delhi unit chief Virendraa Sachdeva criticized the government for failing to address the issue.

The city’s residents face a health hazard due to the severe air pollution. The government continues to urge citizens to take necessary precautions and minimize their contribution to the problem.

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