Delhi-NCR Shuts Primary Schools, Halts Construction Amid Severe Air Pollution
Delhi-NCR’s air quality remained in the ‘severe’ category for the second consecutive day, with a 24-hour average AQI of 424 recorded on Thursday, November 14, 2024. As a result, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked GRAP Stage III, implementing several emergency measures starting at 8 AM on Friday.
Classes for students up to Class V in both government and private schools will shift online. Construction and demolition activities, except for public infrastructure projects like metro and highways, are also banned.
Additionally, restrictions are in place for BS III petrol and BS IV diesel vehicles, and diesel-operated medium and light goods vehicles below BS-III standards are banned from entering Delhi, with exceptions for vehicles using cleaner fuel like CNG, EVs, or those holding an All India Tourist Permit. Mining activities and stone crushers in Delhi-NCR have also been suspended.
The measures aim to mitigate further degradation of air quality as the region continues to battle hazardous pollution levels.