Delhi Grapples with 'Very Poor' AQI: New Rules to Reduce Pollution, Traffic
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Delhi's air quality has been in the 'very poor' category for over a week, prompting the government to introduce measures to combat pollution. On Saturday, the AQI in the national capital stood at 355, with Bawana recording the worst reading at 410. The Commission for Air Quality Management has banned non-Delhi registered BS-III and below commercial goods vehicles from entering the city, effective November 1. This move aims to reduce vehicular emissions and improve air quality. In addition, the Delhi government has changed its working hours to ease traffic congestion. Offices will now operate between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM, with a one-hour gap between the government and municipal corporation's timings. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has also urged citizens to carpool, use public transport, and work from home to minimize emissions. The New Delhi Municipal Corporation has doubled parking fees across the city to discourage private vehicles. The revised rates are ₹40 per hour for four-wheelers, ₹20 per hour for two-wheelers, and ₹300 per hour for buses. These measures are part of the government's efforts to address Delhi's poor air quality and reduce pollution. Residents are advised to adapt to the new rules and make environmentally friendly choices to improve the city's air quality.
