Delhi Imposes New Curbs As It Enters Red Zone

• Delhi AQI crosses 400, entering 'red zone'; health risks surge for residents.
• Delhi bans older vehicles, alters office hours, promotes carpooling to curb pollution.
• Parking fees doubled to discourage vehicle use amid Delhi's hazardous air quality.

Delhi AQI: Air quality in Delhi has reached an alarming level, posing serious health risks to residents. Several doctors and pulmonologists have reportedly

advised people to consider leaving the city for a few weeks. On Saturday, the Air Quality Index (AQI) slipped into the ‘red zone,’ with pollution levels crossing 400 in multiple areas, making Delhi one of the most polluted cities in the country.

To take control over the situation, the Delhi Government has introduced a few measures.

Ban on older goods vehicles

All non-Delhi registered commercial goods vehicles, which do not meet BS-IV standards, are temperorily banned in the national capital, according to an order by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM). It applies to light, medium, and heavy vehicles. BS (Bharat Stage) standards limit how much pollution vehicles can produce, and the current standard is BS-VI.

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Changes in office timings

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has changed the working hours of government and municipal offices. The aim of the move is to reduce traffic congestion by spreading out the number of vehicles on the road. As per the new rule, government offices will run from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm, and municipal offices from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm.

Carpooling and public transport

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has urged people to carpool or use public transport, such as the metro, to cut emissions. She has also asked private companies to allow more work-from-home options while air pollution remains high.

Parking fee increase

The New Delhi Municipal Corporation has doubled parking fees at its managed locations. The new rates are Rs 40 per hour for cars, Rs 20 per hour for two-wheelers, and Rs 300 per hour for buses. The increase does not apply to on-street parking or monthly pass holders. This seasonal measure has been used for the past two years to reduce unnecessary vehicle use during winter.