PMO calls to boost Delhi’s EV ecosystem amid dropping AQI
Considering the consistently dropping Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has taken charge by directing strict actions on pollution-causing vehicles while calling to expand the overall EV ecosystem of Delhi.
The update was discussed in the recently concluded high-level PMO meeting called to discuss the air quality in the city hitting severe and very poor levels.
Presided by the Prime Minister's Principal Secretary, the authorities, in the meeting, were instructed to step up their inspections of automobiles that violate emission standards and pollute the environment, India Today has reported. During the conference, it was also noted that 37% of Delhi-NCR vehicles still adhere to the obsolete BS I to BS III emission standards.
Establishing EV Ecosystem
The meeting gave a call to expand the electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem in the capital by promoting its adoption and presence on the road.
The PMO instructed the officials to deliver timely development of EV charging stations, infrastructure, and provide subsidies. Additionally, officials were instructed to decrease riders’ reliance on petrol and diesel automobiles, India Today report added.
According to the report, PMO was keeping a close eye on pollution sources, and in the next several days, action is probably going to get more intense.
Since Nov.11, Delhi’s AQI has been categorised as either 'very poor' or 'severe' in different locations, with allegations that the government is manipulating the pollutant data. As per the report, the condition is due to a combination of stubble-burning and vehicular emissions.
By updating the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), the central pollution control watchdog, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), has already tightened emergency pollution control efforts.
All government and commercial organisations in Delhi have been required to adopt staggered working hours and compulsorily implement work from home for 50% their workers.