Delhi Air Pollution: 106 Additional Buses, 60 Extra Trips by Metro To Combat 'Severe' AQI

New Delhi: Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Friday said an ditional 106 cluster buses would ply in city while metro trains would make 60 extra trips in view of GRAP-3 measures imposed due to worsening air quality.

Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has imposed GRAP 3 measures as national capital recorded worst pollution levels in country, with air quality remaining in "severe" category for two consecutive days.

On Friday too city's air quality was in severe category with an AQI of 411.

In a press briefing, Rai said interstate buses except for e-buses and CNG vehicles have been banned. ditionally, BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers have been prohibited, he said.

To boost public transport and reduce use of private vehicles, minister announced introduction of an ditional 106 cluster bus services by Delhi Transport Corporation and 60 ditional trips by metro trains.

Emergency measures, such as artificial rain, will be considered if air quality deteriorates furr, minister said, ding that he would Centre about it again.

Private construction and demolition activities have been banned under GRAP III measures, he said.

"We are working on making GRAP-3 measures more effective in Delhi," Rai said and urged people to use bicycles to travel short distances, rely on public transport and carpool or work from home whenever possible.

He ded that an inter-departmental meeting was held on Friday with officials from MCD, PWD, Irrigation and Flood Control Department, transport, DTC, Metro, Education, and or departments concerned to strengn winter action plan.

(Except for heline, this story has not been edited by Republic and is published from a syndicated feed.)