Delhi bans entry of diesel buses, restricts construction work as air quality worsens to ‘very poor' category

livemint.com:

Rai, after a review meeting, said in a press conference that despite the implementation of preventive measures under Stage 2 of the Central government's air pollution control plan, the pollution level in the national capital is continually rising due to drop in temperature and calm winds. The minister said these conditions are expected to persist for the next few days, making the next fortnight crucial for the national capital. He also requested the neighbouring states to ply only CNG, Electric or BS-VI buses from their depots so that passengers do not face any trouble.

"The entry of diesel buses into Delhi has been stopped from today as per the directions by CAQM (Commission for Air Quality Management). 18 teams have been formed for this...It is my request to the state governments to ply only CNG, Electric or BS-VI buses from their depots so that passengers do not face any trouble," the Delhi environment minister said. The minister further said the Delhi government has ordered to halt construction work within a 1-km radius where the AQI exceeds the 400 marks for five consecutive days, he also instructed nodal officers to ensure strict enforcement of air pollution control measures in such areas.

"From November 1, the next 15 to 20 days are critical. Scientists are saying that the temperature is dropping and the speed of air has decreased, so pollutants are at a lower level. Yesterday, AQI was nearly 350.

Due to the work going on in the 13 hotspots in Delhi, the situation is fairly under control. At some hotspots, vehicle pollution's contribution is high," ANI quoted the minister as saying. Rai directed the officials of the concerned departments to convene a meeting later in the day to analyse the Graded Response Action