situation carefully in coordination with the cpcb task force given the prevailing conditions and the concern about the possible deterioration in weather conditions it is possible that severe plus or emergency conditions would need to be imposed in the coming days epca is therefore directing governments to ensure that all agencies are ready to implement tougher measures as laid down in grapin addition the epca is also advising schools to stop all outdoor activities and to keep exposure to a minimum this is also advice to all citizens of delhi and ncr under severe conditions as prevailing today the health advisory of moefcc says that it may cause respiratory effects even on healthy people therefore exposure and outdoor activities including intense physical activities should be minimisedit is clear that combatting air pollution requires drastic action which is long term mr lal said we have achieved some things often in the face of enormous odds and we have provided some solutions so far every solution that has been suggested has been contested and delayed today weather conditions in delhincr are adverse and the wind is bringing pollution from farm fires in punjab and moisture from the east in terms of air pollution things are expected to get much worse in the coming days we therefore need to act decisivelythe epca has called for the following longterm actions which are in the hands of government unless these steps are taken starting today air pollution levels cannot be brought downdrastic action is needed to immediately ban pet coke and furnace oil in the entire ncr we need stringent monitoring of emissions in industrial estates and as well as from illegal industriesa massive switchover to gas is needed in vehicles power plants and industry the region needs a second transition to natural gas and clean fuels we must prioritise transition to electric vehicles and ensure supply of reliable power to stop the use of gensetsa massive augmentation of public transport within and intercity is needed not a single bus has been procured in delhi over the last three years this will only add to the pollution crisiscities need massive action to change garbage management system to stop the burning of garbage in addition strict enforcement is neededepca member and director general of centre for science and environment sunita narain pointed out that unless this agenda is put in place air quality cannot improve