The use of BS-IV and diesel-powered medium and heavy goods vehicles (MGVs and HGVs) registered in Delhi has been prohibited, except for essential services in Phase IV.
DCP Traffic Dhal Singh from the New Delhi range mentioned that vehicles not complying with Phase IV of the GRAP are being restricted from entering the national capital. On Saturday night, he told ANI, 'We are checking vehicles to ensure the proper implementation of Phase IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). Vehicles that do not meet the requirements of Phase IV of GRAP are being denied entry.'
At 7 am on Saturday, the Central Pollution Control Board reported that the air quality index (AQI) in the national capital stood at 349.
As per CPCB data, the AQI in different parts of Delhi was noted at 351 in Alipur, 351 at Burari crossing, 377 at DTU, and 328 at ITO.
Images from Connaught Place, India Gate, and Anand Vihar revealed a dense layer of smog enveloping the whole region. Locals, distressed by the increasing pollution levels, mentioned that government action could address numerous problems.
In an interview with ANI, a cyclist near India Gate mentioned, 'The pollution levels are very high, and we are struggling to breathe properly.'
The government must take action. The situation is particularly dire for the elderly and laborers who are unable to work because of the current conditions.
A different pedestrian recommended that the government prioritize electric vehicles and develop improved technologies for stubble burning.
The government ought to prioritize transitioning the existing transportation system to electric vehicles and investigate better techniques for managing stubble burning.
An AQI between 0-50 is considered good, 51-100 is satisfactory, 101-200 is moderate, 201-300 is poor, 301-400 is very poor, and 401-500 is severe.