India tightens anti-pollution curbs in Delhi after rare protest

India imposed stricter anti-pollution measures in its capital New Delhi and adjoining areas on Tuesday, as the air quality deteriorated to “severe” levels, the government body responsible for air quality management said.

NEW DELHI — India imposed stricter anti-pollution measures in its capital, New Delhi, and adjoining areas on Tuesday, as the air quality deteriorated to “severe” levels, the government body responsible for air quality management said.

The Commission for Air Quality Management said stage three of the Graded Response Action Plan was enforced on Tuesday, “keeping in view the prevailing trend of air quality, and in an effort to prevent further deterioration.”

Under stage three, non-essential construction is banned and curbs on industrial activity using polluting fuels are enforced.

Delhi’s air quality index hovered above 400 at several monitoring stations on Tuesday morning, in the “severe” category, as compared with “good” readings below 50, Central Pollution Control Board data showed.

Toxic smog shrouds New Delhi and the Taj Mahal in India00:47The move follows a weekend protest at the India Gate monument where police detained dozens of people demanding cleaner air, a rare public demonstration against pollution in the capital.