NDMC doubles parking charges in Delhi to curb rising air pollution

New Delhi [India], October 23 : In another step to curb the rising air pollution in the national capital, the New Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) has doubled the parking fees till the revocation of stage II of the GRAP.
The charges will only be applicable for the parking managed by NDMC.
"Keeping in view the climatic conditions, the parking fees (off road/indoor) have been enhanced to twice of the existing fees for the parking managed by NDMC till the revocation of stage II of the GRAP," the NDMC order said.
The enhancement of parking charges will not be implemented for the on-street parking sites and monthly pass holders, it added.
The NDMC further directed strict compliance with immediate effect.
The detriated coindition of Delhi's air quality had led the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to order the implementation of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-II) in Delhi-NCR.
Delhi recorded a daily average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 354 i.e., 'Very Poor' category on Wednesday as per the daily AQI Bulletin provided by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
According to the CPCB order, the Sub-Committee decided that all actions as envisaged under Stage II of the GRAP-Very Poor Air Quality be implemented by all the agencies concerned in the NCR, in addition to the Stage-I actions already in force, from 8:00 am on October 22, 2024, in the National Capital Region (NCR), to prevent further deterioration of the air quality.
Earlier, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai expressed concerns over the rising pollution in the national capital. He said that the winds are moving in the northwest direction which could increase the pollution levels in the national capital territory (NCT) due to stubble burning in neighbouring states.
Rai said that he is going to write a letter to Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav for the third time to request for a meeting so that the air pollution can be controlled.
"As per the information given by the Meteorological department, the winds are now moving in the northwest direction. The effect of stubble burning from Haryana and Punjab will be more visible in Delhi. We have put all our departments on alert mode given the increase in pollution levels. I am going to write a letter to the Union Environment Minister for the third time urging him to call a meeting. The research conducted by IIT Kanpur regarding artificial rain should be taken forward to resolve the pollution crisis. All the formalities should be fulfilled. Yesterday, I had also written to Transport Ministers of neighbouring states to not send diesel vehicles in Delhi till the weather is unfavourable," Gopal Rai said.
With Stage II of GRAP coming into force, an 11-point action plan is applicable with immediate effect in the entire NCR, in addition to all Stage-I actions of GRAP already in force.
The CAQM has urged people to use public transport, minimize the use of personal vehicles, and regularly replace air filters at recommended intervals in their automobiles.