New Delhi, June 19: The Delhi government is taking significant steps to control pollution during the winter months, with proactive measures being announced as early as June. Information has been shared regarding the implementation of a productive Winter Air Quality Management Framework. This initiative aims to provide citizens, industries, institutions, businesses, and construction agencies ample preparation time before November, ensuring that residents do not face unnecessary inconveniences.
According to a post by the Chief Minister‘s Office (CMO) on the social media platform ‘X’, this framework will typically be enforced from November 1 to February 28, alongside the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), under the leadership of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta.
The CMO has specified that only vehicles with valid Pollution Under Control Certificates (PUCC) will be able to refuel at petrol stations. From November 1 to January 31, entry will be restricted for non-BS IV commercial vehicles registered outside Delhi. However, exemptions will be made for CNG, electric vehicles, emergency services, and government-related vehicles. Additionally, parking fees at authorized locations will double from November 1 to February 28.
The government has indicated that there may be changes to office hours, and private and government offices could operate with up to 50% of their workforce if necessary. Strict adherence to dust control regulations will be required for construction and demolition activities from November 1 to January 31, with potential additional restrictions on construction work between December 10 and January 20.
Moreover, large construction sites and buildings will be mandated to install anti-smog guns and mist suppression systems. There will be heightened surveillance and enforcement against open burning of waste or other materials, utilizing drones and field monitoring. The CMO emphasized that timely preparation is the best strategy to combat pollution, and the Delhi government is committed to advancing all necessary preparations in mission mode before winter arrives.
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