In response to mounting concerns about the worsening air quality in the Delhi-NCR region, the Central government has instructed the Delhi administration to swiftly implement emergency measures. These actions include the immediate adoption of a “work from home” policy for half of the workforce in both public and private offices. Additionally, the Centre has imposed a ban on the entry of environmentally harmful trucks and commercial four-wheelers into the nation”s capital.

These measures signal the activation of the final phase, referred to as Stage IV, of the Central government”s comprehensive strategy to control air pollution. Stage IV is initiated when the Air Quality Index (AQI) is on the cusp of surpassing the 450 thresholds in Delhi and is typically enforced with a three-day notice period. This ultimate stage of the pollution control plan requires authorities to take determined steps to combat the alarming levels of air pollution in the region.

To address the problem of vehicular emissions, a ban has been enacted to prohibit polluting trucks and commercial four-wheelers from entering Delhi. Only vehicles that run on compressed natural gas (CNG), electricity, or adhere to Bharat Stage VI (BS VI) emission standards from other states are allowed access to the city.

Additional measures include a prohibition on non-essential construction activities and restrictions on specific categories of polluting vehicles. Furthermore, the Delhi government has made the decision to temporarily close all primary schools for two days, aimed at safeguarding young children from the health risks associated with the polluted air.

The air quality index in the city deteriorated from a reading of 415 at 4 pm on Saturday to 463 at 3 pm on Sunday. This decline is primarily attributed to adverse meteorological conditions and a surge in stubble-burning incidents in neighboring states.

It is important to note that the air pollution crisis is not confined to Delhi alone, as several cities in neighboring regions like Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh have also reported perilous air quality levels.