New Delhi/IBNS: With the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching the 'severe category,' Delhi has implemented stringent rules to control air pollution, such as banning all non-essential construction and demolition work.

The decision, to be effective from 8 AM Friday, was taken by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in an attempt to raise the pollution mitigation level to GRAP-3.

The order prevents all petrol vehicles from the older emission norms BS-III and diesel vehicles of BS-IV category from plying on the roads in Delhi and parts of the National Capital Region (NCR) including Gurugram, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, and Gautam Budh Nagar, media reports said.

However, the construction work ban excludes those involved in national security, healthcare and certain public infrastructure work.

Implementing the third phase of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-3) also involves deploying more mechanised road-sweeping and water-sprinkling machines to curb dust.

The use of diesel generator sets will be limited to emergency purposes.

Meanwhile, all primary schools in Delhi will shift to online mode of classes, Chief Minister Atishi announced Thursday evening.

Delhi recorded an AQI reading of 428 at 9 AM, which is regarded to be in the 'severe' category. On Wednesday, the city reported the worst AQI in the country, with air quality turning 'severe' for the first time this season.

People have been urged to stay indoors as much as possible. The effects of severe air pollution are not only limited to physical health but might impact cognitive well being, doctors have warned.