The Assam government has rolled out a graded emergency response action plan to tackle worsening air pollution in five non-attainment cities, including Guwahati, Nalbari, Nagaon, Silchar, and Sivasagar.

According to a notification issued by the Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Department, following directives of the National Green Tribunal (NGT), the action plan lays down a series of emergency measures based on varying Air Quality Index (AQI) categories, ranging from moderate pollution to emergency conditions.

As per the notification, stringent restrictions may be imposed during periods of extreme pollution.

These include stopping the entry of trucks carrying non-essential goods, suspending large-scale construction activities and limiting the movement of heavy diesel-operated vehicles.

District administrations have also been authorized to take additional precautionary steps, including temporary closure of schools if required.

For areas recording severe pollution levels, authorities may order the shutdown of brick kilns, stone crushers and hot mix plants, while industries could face tighter emission regulations and enhanced dust-control measures. Under the "very poor" AQI category, the use of diesel generators, earth-cutting activities and coal-fired eateries or barbecue outlets may also be restricted.

The plan further calls for mechanised road cleaning, regular water sprinkling, stricter pollution monitoring of vehicles, and mandatory adherence to dust-control norms at construction sites.

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