New Delhi: Delhiites have to cope with poor quality for the fourth consecutive day. As per the report of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Air Quality Index (AQI) of the city touched 406 on Saturday morning, categorizing it as ‘severe’. The surging pollution levels and gas chamber-like situation have created several health issues for the residents of the national capital.
Currently, people are commonly facing breathing difficulties, eye irritation, lungs, and heart diseases. A thick layer of smog has been blanketing the city for the last couple of days. The visibility due to smog is so poor that driving becomes difficult, and several trains and planes are running late or cancelled. Passengers are seen lying at the railway platforms or airports.
The Delhi government has imposed GRAP 3 amid the worsening situation. To combat the pollution, several restrictions have been implemented, such as increasing the road sweeping and water sprinkling processes, especially where heavy traffic is plighting and areas that are identified as pollution hotspots. Additionally, a complete ban will remain on demolition, digging of earth, and transportation of construction waste.
The government has stopped the operation of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers all over the city. Violators will be booked under Section 194(1) of the Motor Vehicle Act, 1988, and fined Rs 20,000.
Delhi Chief Minister Atishi announced the change of government office timings to suppress traffic congestion. As per the new order, the central government offices will function from 9 am to 5:30 pm, while Delhi government offices will operate from 10 am to 6:30 pm, and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) offices’ new timing would be 8:30 am to 5 p.m. Delhi LG VK Saxena has given the green signal of the new government office timings. It will continue till February 2025.
