In response to the escalating pollution crisis in the national capital, the Delhi government has taken stringent measures to combat the issue. Construction and demolition activities have been prohibited within the city limits to address the problem effectively.
The ban encompasses a comprehensive range of activities, including boring, drilling, excavation, and stuffing, at construction and demolition sites. All structural construction work and building-related activities are under complete restriction.
"The act of demolishing will be totally prohibited. At construction and demolition sites, loading and unloading will be prohibited. The movement of raw materials, including manuals and flights, will be prohibited. Vehicle movement on dirt roads will be prohibited. Cutting of floor materials, stones, tiles, and other construction materials will all be prohibited, as well as any grinding operations," Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai said.
Delhi's Environment Minister, Gopal Rai, announced an additional ban on the operation of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel LMVs (four-wheelers)
Following Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's instructions, physical classes in schools for children up to Class 5 have been closed till November 4.
While addressing a press conference at Delhi Secretariat, Rai said: "The causes of the rise in pollution levels over the ages include burning, vehicular pollution, and dust. Additionally, the wind speed is lower in the winter. Changes in the meteorological conditions cause the wind to blow more slowly and in different directions, which results in pollution.
To combat the issue, there is a strong emphasis on intensifying water sprinkling, with 345 sprinkling machines and anti-smog guns now deployed across Delhi. Furthermore, an electric shuttle bus service is set to launch, aiming to reduce vehicular pollution. The shuttle will operate routes from Kidwai Nagar and RK Puram to Central Secretariat, as well as from Gulabi Bagh to Delhi Secretariat. These routes will run during peak hours to alleviate traffic congestion.
In an effort to bolster public transport, the number of bus trips has been increased by 2,400, and metro trips have seen a boost of 60 additional services to enhance the accessibility of sustainable transportation options in the city.
(With Agency Inputs)
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