Delhi air pollution: AQI remains ‘severe’ for 4th day; ban on private BS III petrol, BS IV diesel vehicles
Delhi air pollution: The air quality in many areas of Delhi remained severe on Saturday, while a dense layer of smog enveloped the national capital, Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurugram, and other NCR cities for the fourth day in a row.
The air quality index (AQI) in Delhi's Shadipur was 457 ('severe plus') at 9 a.m. on Saturday, according to the Central Pollution Control Board.
Narela (449), Wazirpur (441) and Jahangiruri (445) have some of Delhi's worst air quality ratings. The air quality exceeds 400, indicating severe conditions.
Staggered government office hours
Chief Minister Atishi set staggered hours for government offices in the city to alleviate traffic congestion due to pollution levels.
According to the timetable announced by her in a post on X, central government offices will be open from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Delhi government offices from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., and Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) offices from 8.30 a.m.
Delhi LG V K Saxena issued a note approving the staggered government office hours until February 2025, expressing disappointment that a measure that should have been implemented as a preventive measure was imposed several days late.
Ban on private BS III petrol, BS IV diesel vehicles
Delhi government has banned private BS III petrol and BS IV diesel vehicles, interstate non-electric-CNG buses, and certain types of construction activities.
Private BS III petrol and BS IV diesel vehicles were banned from the roadways, with a Rs 20,000 penalty for violators. Diesel and petrol interstate buses from the NCR cities to Delhi are also prohibited.
The transport department has deployed 84 teams and an additional 280 people to catch violators, according to Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai.
- PTC NEWS
