MONITORING (SW) – A dense layer of smog continued to envelop Indian capital New Delhi, with the air quality index (AQI) remaining in the ‘severe’ category for the fifth consecutive day.
According to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research, the AQI in the national capital plunged to 428 this morning.
Visuals across the national capital show the national capital covered in a blanket of smog. According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), the minimum temperature recorded in the morning was 15 degrees Celsius. The maximum temperature is expected to settle at 30 degrees Celsius.
On Friday, the Delhi government implemented stringent measures to curb pollution under Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), in addition to the actions under Stage I and Stage II.
Under GRAP-3, private BS III petrol and BS IV diesel vehicles have been banned. According to the government, violators will face penalties under Section 194(1) of the Motor Vehicle Act, 1988.
Within 24 hours of imposing the rules, the Delhi Traffic Police issued over 550 challans, imposing a total fine of over 1 crore Indian rupees. Separately, they also issued challans to 4,855 vehicles imposing a total of 4.8 crore Indian rupees in fines for not having Pollution Under Control Certificates (PUCC) in the national capital.
Additionally, under GRAP-3, the entry of interstate non-electric-CNG buses and certain categories of construction activities are prohibited.
