Devanjana Mukherjee, Khabri Media
The initiative comes as a effort to combat air pollution, including initiatives to promote cleaner fuel alternatives, regulate industrial emissions, and encourage public transportation.
Pic: Social Media
India’s capital, has been grappling with air pollution for several years, with the problem exacerbating during the winter months. As the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the city recently turned ‘severe,’ the central government has taken a significant step by banning non-essential construction work.
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The Centre’s pollution control panel on Thursday issued directions to ban non-essential construction work in Delhi-NCR and the entry of diesel-guzzling trucks into the capital as the air quality in the city entered the ‘severe’ category.
This action comes as part of Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) — the Centre’s air pollution control plan that is implemented in the region during the winter season. Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 402 at 5 pm.
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Stage III of GRAP involves a complete halt on construction and demolition work except for essential government projects, mining and stone crushing. It also includes a ban on the entry of light commercial vehicles registered outside Delhi and diesel-guzzling trucks, and medium and heavy goods vehicles (except those involved in essential services).
The alarming air quality in Delhi-NCR worsens due to various factors, including stubble burning in neighboring states, industrial emissions, and vehicular pollution. These factors combine to create a noxious cocktail of pollutants, making it difficult for residents to breathe clean air.
The ban on non-essential construction work is driven by a commitment to public health and the urgent need to reduce air pollution. Construction activities generate a significant amount of dust and particulate matter, which are major contributors to deteriorating air quality.
The ban, though temporary, serves as a reminder that a cleaner and healthier Delhi is a shared responsibility. By taking proactive measures and supporting policies aimed at reducing pollution, residents can contribute to a sustainable solution for cleaner air in the nation’s capital.
