New Delhi: Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has said that fuel purchase restrictions, construction bans, and mandatory work-from-home will be implemented in Delhi during the winter months to combat air pollution. In a new press release on Friday, Gupta notified the Proactive Winter Air Quality Management Framework to prepare institutions and citizens ahead of Delhi’s winter air pollution season.
“Residents have traditionally been informed about new restrictions and measures only after pollution levels rise in the winter,” said the PM in a press release. “The government has decided to change that approach this year.”
As part of this framework, released four months before the winter pollution months of November, December, January and February, the government laid out all the measures it may implement given the rise in air quality index. This framework, which is notified under the Environment Protection Act, 1986, is meant to complement the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which is Delhi’s flagship air pollution action plan.
However, the new framework does not introduce any new measures — rather, it reinforces many of the measures already in place through GRAP.
For vehicular pollution control, the government said it would deny fuel to vehicles without a Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate. Also, from 1 November, all commercial vehicles not registered in Delhi and not following non-BS-VI fuel standards will not be allowed to enter the national capital until 31 January.
The press release also announced that parking charges in public spaces will be doubled from 1 November to 28 February to discourage private vehicle usage, while government and private offices will also be asked to operate on a 50 per cent work-from-home policy.
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Construction and open burning measures
The Delhi government also laid out steps to curb dust pollution from construction, such as requiring all construction activities to comply with pollution standards during the winter months.
“Preventing open burning of garbage, leaves and other materials is critical for effective pollution control,” said the CM in the press release.
She reiterated the yearly reminder to stop the lighting of bonfires at night, especially by security guards and workers for warmth. The press release said that all Resident Welfare Associations should ensure there are alternate means of heating arranged for the people.
The framework was released as a way to ensure that the government’s policy of advanced preparedness and timely intervention is followed by all departments, institutions, citizen groups and RWAs.