Private vehicles could soon be off New Delhi roads for some time to counter the worsening air quality levels. The National Capital Region has been enveloped with toxic smog for a few days, as has become the norm in the run up to the winters.
In order to curb the issue, Bhure Lal, Chairman of the Environment Pollution Control Authority (EPCA) has stated “Let us hope the air pollution situation in Delhi doesn’t deteriorate but if it turns out to be an emergency, we will have to stop the use of private transport,” EPCA is a pollution governing body appointed by the Supreme Court of India. It has already proposed halting usage of diesel generators, burning of garbage and a few other measures to be taken into effect from November 1 to November 10 this year when pollution levels are expected to rise.
Air quality index hit 469 in some parts of Delhi on Tuesday, up from 299.4 a week ago, according to Central pollution control board. A major source of pollution in this area is crop stubble burning along with vehicular exhaust. This is likely to worsen around November 7, thanks to celebratory fireworks during Diwali.