Since the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has classified the air quality as “Severe,” Delhi BJP President Virendraa Sachdeva and BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal gave masks to the public on Monday at the Central Secretariat Metro Station.

Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva blamed the AAP-led Delhi government’s “poor work” for the deteriorating air quality in the nation’s capital, while also speaking to media.

“Dhaka’s condition is deteriorating. The Delhi government’s style of governing is causing pain for the people of Delhi. Both the burning of stubble in Punjab and dust management are necessary. People must deal with the effects of the Delhi government’s bad job, which is the source of the pollution problem.For the last month or so, we have consistently said that pollution is not a problem. “It will take a full year to resolve this problem,” he said.
The national capital was covered in a dense layer of smog, and by 7 a.m. on Monday, the Air Quality Index was at 483.

Delhi-NCR is now under stage 4 (‘Severe+’ Air Quality) of the updated Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) due to deteriorating air quality. With the exception of pupils in classes 10 and 12, the Delhi government has halted in-person instruction for all students. Until further notice, all schools will conduct their lessons online.

“Keeping in view the prevailing trend of deteriorating air quality of NCR, and in an effort to prevent further deterioration of air quality in the region, the Sub-Committee today has taken the call to invoke all actions as envisaged under Stage-IV of GRAP – ‘Severe+’ Air Quality (Delhi’s AQI > 450), w.e.f. 08:00 AM of 18.11.2024 (tomorrow) in the entire NCR,” the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) stated in a press release.

Delhi’s air quality is categorized into four stages according to the National Capital Region’s (NCR) Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP): Stage I is “poor” (AQI 201-300); Stage II is “very poor” (AQI 301-400); Stage III is “severe” (AQI 401-450); and Stage IV is “severe plus” (AQI >450).

Under Stage IV of GRAP, measures include prohibiting construction and demolition operations and preventing trucks from entering Delhi, with the exception of those transporting necessities.

BS-VI diesel and LNG/CNG/electric trucks will continue to be allowed. The entry of light commercial vehicles (LCVs) registered outside of Delhi would also be prohibited, with the exception of those with BS-VI diesel, CNG, or electric engines. Diesel-powered medium and heavy goods trucks registered in Delhi under BS-IV would not be allowed to operate, with the exception of those transporting necessary services.