Delhi and its adjoining areas continue to witness dark skies with thick smog reducing visibility to near zero and deteriorating air quality. To deal with the menace of pollution, the Delhi government has taken several measures, including 50% attendance at offices and curbing the fuel consumption of some vehicles.
Today, while hearing an air pollution case in Delhi, the Supreme Court said the state government can take action against owners operating vehicles below the BS-IV (Bharat Stage 4) emission standard in the NCR region.
Modifying its earlier order passed in August this year, in which the Supreme Court had allowed the authorities to intervene only in vehicles that are below BS III (Bharat Stage 3) emission levels, a bench headed by CJI Surya Kant directed that no enforcement action be taken against vehicle owners using vehicles that meet BS IV standards or are even newer than the earlier IV categorized under ANIBS.
What changes in Delhi to fight pollution? Here is the list:
50 percent office attendance
The Delhi government on Wednesday, December 17, ordered private offices in the capital to operate with a maximum of 50 percent staff. Only 50 percent of employees will be physically present at workplaces. Remaining employees will continue to work from home due to heavy pollution.
However, exemptions have been granted in certain areas, including public and private health facilities, transport, sanitation and emergency services.
No entry for vehicles below BS-VI emission standard
A day ago, on December 16, the Delhi government had said that only BS-VI vehicles from outside Delhi would be allowed to enter the city. Manjinder Sirsa also announced that the measures will not be imposed from Tuesday, but from Thursday, December 18.
PHM ban for vehicles without a valid PUC
From December 18, vehicles without a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate will not be allowed to refuel at petrol pumps in the state capital from Thursday, Manjinder Singh Sirsa said.
On Tuesday, Sirsa said the owners were given one day to comply with the rule. “After tomorrow, vehicles that do not have a valid PUC certificate will not be provided with fuel,” he said.
To verify the PUCC status and emission category of vehicles, automatic number plate recognition and ground checks will be carried out.
