The union Environment Ministry has notified a 'Graded Response Action Plan' against air pollution for Delhi and the National Capital Region.

Graded response action plan: Key highlights

The new graded response action plan has proposed stratified levels of action according to the air pollution levels classified by air quality index, which range from moderate to poor to very poor to severe to severe+ or emergency.

The measures in the action plan are cumulative and add up to the highest level, which is severe+ or emergency.

During winter months the measures listed for very poor and severe will prevail. During emergency or at levels that are five times the standards, emergency action will kick in, including a ban on entry of trucks, odd and even scheme and a ban on construction.

Additional action can be proposed if pollution levels demand higher level of stringency. Decision to shut schools will be taken as per the need of the hour.

Environment Pollution Control and Prevention Authority (EPCA) will monitor and issue directions as needed.