New rules have been implemented in Delhi for pollution control; who has been exempted from the latest restrictions?

Strict rules have been implemented in the national capital from Thursday (December 18) to control the rising air pollution. Vehicles without a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC) will now be denied fuel at petrol pumps.

Additionally, non-BS6 standard vehicles registered outside the capital will not be allowed entry into Delhi. Furthermore, all private and government offices will be required to have 50 percent of their employees work from home. The restrictions under GRAP-4, implemented by the Commission for Air Quality Management, will also remain in effect.

Who is exempt from the restrictions?

These restrictions imposed by the Delhi government will not affect emergency services and essential activities. This is because certain exemptions have been granted despite the strict restrictions under GRAP-4. According to the news agency PTI, the Delhi government has exempted ambulances, fire tenders, and other vehicles used in emergencies from these restrictions.

The Delhi government, in an official notice, stated, "Ambulances, fire tenders, police vehicles, and other emergency response units running on petrol or CNG will continue to operate without any interruption. We assure that these restrictions will not affect public safety and medical services."

Emergency vehicles such as ambulances, fire tenders, and frontline workers, including those working in hospitals, departments involved in the fight against air pollution, the fire department, and other essential services, will be exempt from the work-from-home order.

New rules in Delhi amidst GRAP-4

It is worth noting that after the air quality in the capital remained in the severe category for three consecutive days, the Commission for Air Quality Management implemented GRAP-4 restrictions in Delhi-NCR from December 13. However, the current restrictions imposed by the Delhi government are in addition to the GRAP restrictions.

In addition to the GRAP-4 restrictions, all offices have been instructed to ensure that 50 percent of their employees work from home. In addition, the Delhi government has also implemented a 'no fuel' rule for vehicles without a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC).

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi's average Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 334 on Thursday morning at 7 am, which falls under the 'very poor' category.