Pollution Control Boards, on Sunday, stated that strict actions will be taken as Delhi’s air quality has crossed the severe stage in the AQI. It reached 441 at 4:00 PM and rose to 457 by 7:00 PM due to unfavorable weather conditions. They announced an 8-point action plan as per Stage-IV of GRAP, which is applicable with immediate effect from 8:00 AM on 18 November across the entire NCR.
Under this, all truck entries into Delhi are stopped (except for trucks carrying essential commodities or providing essential services). However, LNG, CNG, electric, and BS-VI diesel trucks are permitted to enter Delhi.
According to the order, all LCVs registered outside Delhi are not permitted to enter the city, except for EVs, CNG, or BS-VI diesel vehicles, and those carrying essential commodities or providing essential services.
A ban on C&D (construction and demolition) activities, as outlined in GRAP Stage III, is also extended to linear public projects such as highways, roads, flyovers, overbridges, power transmission, pipelines, and telecommunications infrastructure.
NCR State Governments and the GNCTD have announced the suspension of physical classes for students in grades VI–IX and XI, with lessons to be conducted online.
The plan suggests allowing public, municipal, and private offices to operate at 50% capacity, with the remaining staff working from home.
The Central Government may consider permitting work-from-home arrangements for employees in central government offices.
State Governments are advised to consider additional emergency measures, such as closing colleges and educational institutions, halting non-essential commercial activities, and implementing an odd-even scheme for vehicles based on registration numbers