The Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi government on Monday announced a few additional measures to improve the air quality in the national capital, which has been grappling with ‘severe’ air quality for the last few days. The city continued to witness worsening air pollution with the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) standing at 488, on Monday, November 6.

As per the Central Pollution Control Board, Delhi’s AQI has increased by 200 points since October 27.

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai held a high-level meeting on Monday to take strict measures to control the pollution.

#WATCH | On the Odd-Even vehicle scheme implemented by Delhi Govt, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai says "A meeting has been called tomorrow to have further discussions on how to implement the Odd-Even scheme in Delhi...There are over 7,000 buses running in Delhi, out of… pic.twitter.com/oyX91rlJhi

— ANI (@ANI) November 6, 2023

Minister Gopal Rai has also announced another meeting tomorrow, on Tuesday, to discuss the steps taken so far and the additional measures needed.

Meanwhile, the government has announced the implementation of stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-IV) with immediate effect. However, under the GRAP IV, there are some crucial moves that aim to curb air pollution.

Delhi Government also announced a few additional measures at the meeting chaired by CM Kejriwal to curb the air pollution.

Odd Even Rule from November 13

Following the meeting, AAP minister Gopal Rai announced the decision to impose the odd-even rule for the vehicles. The rule will be imposed from November 13 to 20, after Diwali festival.

Under this scheme, the cars with only odd or only even number plates are allowed to ply on alternate days.

#WATCH | Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai says "In view of air pollution, the Odd-Even vehicle system will be applicable for one week from 13th to 20th November..." pic.twitter.com/IPBTrxoOOE

— ANI (@ANI) November 6, 2023

50% of employees will work from home

According to reports, the government has directed all offices, both public and private, to allow 50% of employees to work from home. However, the final decision on the proposal will be taken later, according to Environment Minister Rai, the Indian Express reported.

Construction Work

There will be a halt on construction and demolition activities in all the linear public projects including highways, roads, flyovers, overbridges, power transmission, pipelines, etc.

#WATCH | Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai says,"...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… pic.twitter.com/DfDsZNWx9D

— ANI (@ANI) November 6, 2023

Restriction on vehicles entering Delhi

There will be strict restrictions on the entry of polluting trucks into Delhi, with an exception for heavy vehicles carrying essential goods and all LNG/CNG or electric trucks. There will be no entry of the non-Delhi registered LCVs, except electric vehicles or CNG-operated vehicles. Only CNG, electric, and BS VI-compliant vehicles from other states will be allowed to enter the national capital.

Restrictions on Heavy Vehicles

Restriction on plying of diesel-operated Medium Goods Vehicles and Heavy Goods Vehicles registered in Delhi to continue, except those transporting essential goods/services.

(Edited by : Sudarsanan Mani)