Vehicles move on a road shrouded in smog
Credit: Reuters photo
As the national capital's air quality plunges into 'severe' category, the Centre on Tuesday invoked stricter anti-pollution measures under Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
Due to calm winds and unfavourable weather conditions, Delhi average Air Quality Index (AQI) rose sharply from 362 on Monday to 425 on Tuesday.
In addition to the actions already enforced under Stages I and II of GRAP, the implementation of Stage III curbs will include a ban on non-essential construction work and closure of stone crushers and mining activities.
Classes up to Class 5 are required to shift to hybrid mode under Stage 3. Parents and students have the option to choose online education wherever available.
Under Stage 3, the use of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel cars (4-wheelers) is restricted in Delhi and nearby NCR districts. Persons with disabilities are exempt.
During winters, the Delhi-NCR region enforces restrictions under GRAP, which categorises air quality into four stages - Stage I (Poor, AQI 201-300), Stage II (Very Poor, AQI 301-400), Stage III (Severe, AQI 401-450), and Stage IV (Severe Plus, AQI above 450).
(with PTI inputs)