Shafaqna Pakistan: The government of India’s National Capital Territory of Delhi has announced a series of measures to curb air pollution ahead of the winter season, months before the city is typically engulfed by hazardous smog and ranks among the world’s most polluted capitals.
- Government data from the last three years indicates that Delhi’s air quality deteriorates from November 1 to February 15, when the average air quality index (AQI) generally ranges from 312 to 342. An AQI of 0-50 is considered to be “good”.
- Authorities earlier imposed anti-pollution measures during this period according to a graded action plan when air quality dropped below a certain level.
- Under the new curbs announced on Wednesday, they will now be in place continuously from November 1 to February 28, irrespective of AQI.
- These include doubling of parking charges to discourage use of private vehicles, staggered timings at all government offices, and a ban on all outdoor civil construction activity except essential public infrastructure projects.
- Between November 1 and January 31, all government and private offices will also be mandated to operate with half their staff physically present and the rest working from home.
- Violators will face penal action, including prosecution, the announcement said.
- The government this week also announced a cash incentive of over $1,000 to car owners willing to scrap their old vehicles for EVs as part of a new policy aimed at reducing pollution.
Source: Dunya News
