No quick fix: Delhi minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa announces strict restrictions as AQI soars

NEW DELHI: Delhi is grappling with hazardous air quality, prompting the city government to implement stringent measures to curb pollution. The pollution level in several parts of the national capital, including Anand Vihar, Ghazipur, AIIMS, and India Gate, has reached “very poor” to “severe” levels, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

Anand Vihar and Ghazipur recorded an AQI of 410, categorised as ‘severe’, while AIIMS and India Gate stood at 397 and 380, respectively. Delhi environment minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa announced a series of steps under Stage-IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), the strictest level of restrictions aimed at reducing public exposure to pollution.

“The pollution level in Delhi is very high. The next few days are not expected to be much better compared to last year's figures, so we are making every effort to improve the situation.

We are continuously working to improve air quality in the coming week,” he said. Sirsa outlined the new measures, “There will be 50% work from home in Delhi, which is a significant step. Starting tomorrow, I appeal to the people of Delhi to get their PUC (Pollution Under Control) certificates. They will not get fuel without a PUC certificate. Trucks carrying construction materials into Delhi have also been banned. I appeal to people coming from outside Delhi to bring vehicles that comply with Bharat Stage 6 (BS6) emission standards.

” He added, “From today, having a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate is mandatory in Delhi. Today is the last day to obtain it; from tomorrow, polluting vehicles will not be given fuel. Vehicles entering Delhi from outside must also be Bharat Stage VI compliant. As long as GRAP remains in force, non-BS VI vehicles registered outside Delhi will not be allowed to enter. Construction activity remains banned, including vehicles carrying sand and other construction material, and strict action will be taken against violators.

50 per cent of employees will work from home. The Chief Minister has announced Rs 10,000 assistance for construction workers affected by the ban. To prevent biomass burning, 10,000 heaters are being distributed to guards and watchmen through SDMs, and people are urged not to light fires outdoors.” On the challenges of reducing pollution quickly, Sirsa said on Tuesday, “It is impossible for any elected government to reduce AQI in 9-10 months.

I apologise for the pollution in Delhi. We are doing better work than the dishonest AAP government, and we have reduced AQI each day. This disease of pollution is given to us by the Aam Aadmi Party, and we are working to fix it.” Sirsa also announced additional enforcement measures, saying: “From Thursday, only BS-VI vehicles from outside Delhi will be permitted to enter the national capital. Vehicle owners without a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC) will be denied fuel at petrol pumps starting Thursday.” Chief Minister Rekha Gupta addressed public concerns over rising smog, attributing the crisis to years of neglect. Speaking at an event in Pitampura, she said: “Those who make big statements and protest at India Gate… pollution is not something that appeared today, it has been a problem for years. What did the previous government do? Where were you at that time? This is a backlog of 27 years. The government needs at least 27 months to clear the backlog of 27 years.

” The measures come as residents continue to face severe health risks due to prolonged exposure to toxic air, with officials urging compliance to reduce further deterioration of air quality.