Delhi Pollution: Centre Bans Entry Of Non-CNG Trucks, Orders Closure Of Industries In NCR

The Centre's anti-pollution panel on Thursday ordered closure of all industries not running on clean fuels in NCR.

Students walk down a road to their schools amid low visibility due to smog ( Image Source :PTI )

With Delhi's air quality in 'severe' category, the Centre's anti-pollution panel on Thursday banned entry of trucks other than electric and CNG ones in the national capital and ordered closure of all industries not running on clean fuels in NCR. However, trucks carrying essential commodities exempted have been exempted from the ban, PTI reported.

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has also banned plying of four-wheeled diesel light motor vehicles in Delhi-NCR as part of anti-pollution measures under the final stage of the Graded Response Action Plan. However, BS-VI and essential and emergency services vehicles are exempt.

The GRAP, first implemented in 2017, is a set of anti-air pollution measures followed in the national capital and its vicinity, Noida and Gurugram, according to the severity of the situation.

Construction works in public projects such as highways, flyovers, power transmission, pipelines in Delhi-NCR has also been banned. The CAQM had directed authorities on Saturday to impose a ban on construction and demolition activities in Delhi-NCR.

READ | Thick Smog Engulfs Delhi-NCR, Air Quality Enters 'Severe' Category

The Central panel has left it to the state government to decide on closure of schools, non-emergency commercial activities, odd-even scheme for vehicles. Central and state governments may decide on permitting work from home.

As a thick layer of smog continued to shroud Delhi, several schools have suspended outdoor activities and introduced breathing exercises in classes.

The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) had Wednesday asked the Delhi government to shut schools till air quality in the capital improves.

On Thursday, Delhi's overall Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 426. An AQI of above 400 is considered 'severe' and can affect healthy people and seriously impact those with existing illnesses.

Hospitals in Delhi are already seeing a rise in patients suffering from cough, nasal congestion, shortness of breath and even asthma.