TRUCKS HEADED to Delhi will not be allowed to enter unless carrying essential commodities such as milk and vegetables; there shall be no construction activity on projects such as roads and highways; and the government should consider bringing back the odd-even road rationing scheme. These are among the measures taken on Sunday as Delhi’s air quality continued to remain in the “severe” category. Also, schools have been asked to hold online classes for students up to Class 5 till November 10. In fact, many schools have decided to suspend physical classes for older students as well. The 24-hour average AQI in Delhi was recorded at 454 on Sunday, up from 415 a day before. The measures taken on Sunday, on directions from the Commission for Air Quality Management, are part of the Graded Response Action Plan for Stage-IV or “severe plus” category of air pollution. The measures also include a ban on Light Commercial Vehicles registered outside Delhi, except for electric/CNG/BS-VI diesel vehicles for essential services. Diesel medium and heavy goods vehicles registered in Delhi can no longer run in the city, except for those providing essential services. The Commission for Air Quality Management has also asked the Delhi and NCR state governments to consider allowing 50 per cent of staff strength in public, private and municipal offices to work from home. State governments may also consider other measures such as closure of colleges and permitting vehicles to run on odd-even basis, the Commission said in its directions. The restrictions were imposed even as there appeared to be no respite from the toxic air over the next few days. While the Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi had earlier forecast some respite after November 6, a fresh forecast said that the AQI is expected to remain in the severe category for the next six days.
