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Ban one ntry of trucks into Delhi extended till December-7

The government on Monday cited the air quality situation, the forecast ahead, and extended the ban on the entry of trucks into New Delhi till December 7, while the ban on construction and demolition work will continue till further orders. The entry ban will not apply to CNG trucks, e-trucks, or those engaged in essential services.

 

Delhi environment minister Gopal Rai, who announced the third phase of the “Red Light On, Gaadi Off” campaign from December 4 to 18, said the air quality is not expected to drop below the “very poor” category unless the city gets rain in the first week of December.

Rai said the forecast in terms of air quality did not look good while calling for a need to maintain certain restrictions. “If the IMD (India Meteorological Department) forecast holds true, Delhi may get some rain, but without that, air quality will be in the very poor range and therefore we have had to take these decisions.”

Rai, who held a review meeting on the air quality status in Delhi on Monday, said the government has begun the process to pay ₹5,000 each to workers impacted by the construction ban. He added activities such as interior decoration, plumbing, and electric work could continue. “We will give a compensation of ₹5,000 to the construction workers impacted by this ban and the ban will stay until further orders are issued.” He said the entry ban will not apply to private vehicles.

Rai said the third phase of the “Red Light On, Gaadi Off” campaign was being launched to control pollution levels in the city. “The second phase will end on December 3. We have decided to extend it.”

The government last Wednesday announced the ban on entry of petrol and diesel trucks into Delhi will continue till December 3. A day later, the ban on construction and demolition activities was reimposed following Supreme Court directions.