GRAP-V implemented in Delhi as air quality dips to ‘severe’, diesel LMVS barred
The average air quality in Punjab, where over 24,000 farm fires were reported this season, remained “moderate” in October even as Delhi witnessed “severe” pollution today and saw implementation of curbs under the final stage of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-IV).
With Delhi’s air quality index (AQI) of 450 just short of “severe plus” category, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) directed the authorities to ban the plying of diesel light motor vehicles (LMVS) in Delhi and adjoining NCR districts. The entry of trucks other than electric and CNG ones is banned.
Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav had on Wednesday blamed the Punjab Government’s failure to check farm fires for rising pollution in Delhi. Sources said Punjab witnessed 24,146 stubble burning cases from September 15 to November 3 this year compared to 20,433 during the same period last year. Data released by the Punjab Pollution Control Board showed six major cities of Punjab witnessing “moderate” air quality in October.
In October, the average AQI NEW was 126 in Jalandhar, 116 in The Patiala, 121 in Mandi Gob- Thu indgarh, 153 in Ludhiana, 111 in Khanna and 134 in Amritsar 134. The CAQM said BSVI vehicles and those used for essential and emergency services were exempted from the ban on diesel-run LMVS Raj in Delhi. It said the government might take a call on the closure of educational institutions, non-emergency commercial activities and plying of vehicles on oddeven basis. Environment Minister Gopal Rai has conon Friday to discuss the vened a high-level meeting implementation of the curbs. reported in Punjab on Thurs- day, with Sangrur witnessing At least 2,666 farm fires were the maximum 452 incidents.
38% POLLUTION DUE TO STUBBLE-BURNING
The share of farm fires in Delhi’s PM2.5 jumped to 38% on Thursday. As per the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research, this is highest percentage of farm fires adding to Delhi’s pollution this season.
