Diesel generators banned in Delhi as air quality enters 'Red Zone'

NEW DELHI: The Environment Pollution Prevention and Control Authority on Tuesday stated that diesel generators have been banned in Delhi, barring those used in metros and hospitals.

The efforts come in the wake of degrading air quality in the national capital, which has now entered into the ‘Red Zone’.

In a bid to keep a check on pollution, several measures have been passed in the recent past, the most recent being a ban on the sale of firecrackers.

The Supreme Court, on October 9, restored the ban on the sale of firecrackers till November 1. While delivering its order, the top court said it wants to test the effect of the ban on air quality after Diwali.

Prior to this, the government had issued prohibitory orders on stubble burning, as it had become a major concern for authorities, resulting in air pollution as well as the reduction in soil fertility.

Following the orders of the National Green Tribunal (NGT), state governments and district administration tightened strictures against stubble burning, and booked charges against farmers, who are not following orders.