Delhi Pollution: Odd-Even Back From Nov 13-20, All Schools Except Classes 10, 12 To Be Online Till Nov 10

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal chaired a high-level meeting on the issue of rising air pollution in the city as air quality continues to worry residents.

Delhi Pollution News: Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday chaired a high-level meeting over the concerns regarding rising air pollution in the city and adjoining areas. After the meeting, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai said that the odd-even scheme will be put in place in the city for a period of one week from Nov 13.

"In view of air pollution, the Odd-Even vehicle system will be applicable for one week from 13th to 20th November..." Rai said after the meeting.

The minister added that the forecast suggests wind will blow at a speed of 12km/hour from Tuesday and that there is a possibility that levels of pollution might decrease.

"As per the forecast, the wind speed will be 12km/hour tomorrow, 7th November and if the speed reaches 10 to 12 km/hour, then there is a possibility that the level of pollution accumulated here might disperse. Similarly, the wind speed will be 8-10 km/hour on 8th November. It is expected that the speed of wind will increase on 7th and 8th November which will reduce the level of pollution..." he said.

"...The ban that was imposed on BS-III petrol vehicles and BS-IV diesel vehicles will be continued in GRAP-4... Except for LNG, CNG and electric trucks of the essential commodities and essential service vehicles, other trucks are banned entry into Delhi...In GRAP-3, demolition work at Flyovers, overbridges and power transmission pipelines was given an exemption...Now they are also banned..." the minister added.

He said that schools have been directed to suspend physical classes, barring classes 10 and 12, until Nov 10. However, he said, that a call on work-for-home order for 50 per cent of staff in govt and private offices in Delhi will be taken later.

The capital has been witnessing hazardous levels of pollution with AQI fluctuating between 'Very Poor' and 'Severe Plus' as the Centre's GRAP-IV kicked in as measures are in place to reduce the air pollution in the city. Delhi's AQI on Monday was 411.

Several areas in Delhi recorded a worse AQI than the city's average. Bawana's AQI stood at 478, while Jahangirpuri recorded the air quality index at 475 and Wazirpur's air quality stood at 482, according to CPCB data. 

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Sunday decided to invoke Stage IV of the GRAP in the entire NCR with immediate effect, in addition to all actions under Stage I, II, and III to prevent further deterioration of air quality in the region, news agency PTI reported. These measures come as part of the final stage of the pollution control plan and are implemented at least three days before the Air Quality Index (AQI) exceeds the 450 mark in the national capital.