Emergency Air Quality Measures Activated in Haryana as NCR Pollution Soars

Air Quality Crisis Deepens 

The National Capital Region faces a severe air quality challenge as Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) hit 317, falling into the "very poor" category. In response, the Commission for Air Quality Management has immediately implemented Stage-II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across 14 Haryana districts within the NCR. 

Alarming AQI readings have been recorded across several districts:

• Sonepat leads with a concerning 343  
• Bahadurgarh (Jhajjar) follows at 282 
• Gurugram stands at 239 
• Faridabad records 207
• Rohtak shows 196 

Official Response and Action Plan

Authorities have launched a coordinated response to tackle the crisis: - Harish Sharma, Regional Officer, HSPCB Rewari, has established three specialized teams to control pollution - Amit Dahiya, SDO HSPCB, reports preventive measures at 20 air emission hotspots in Bahadurgarh - Dinesh Kumar, RO HSPCB Rohtak, confirms strict implementation of GRAP Stage-II guidelines 

"The restrictions will help in checking worsening of the air quality," stated a senior HSPCB officer, emphasizing the urgency of immediate action.

New Restrictions and Measures 

The commission has ordered several immediate actions: 

1. Daily mechanical and vacuum sweeping of identified roads 

2. Regular water sprinkling to control dust 

3. Increased parking fees to discourage private vehicle use 

4. Enhanced traffic management at congestion points 

5. Expansion of public transport services: - Additional CNG and electric buses - Increased metro service frequency 

6. Strict regulation of diesel generator operations across industrial, commercial, and residential sectors.

The comprehensive approach aims to prevent further deterioration of air quality across the NCR region, with particular focus on areas showing the highest pollution levels.