New Delhi, Nov 13 (UNI) All schools will remain physically shut for a week, construction activities will be banned for four days and government offices will function remotely, the Delhi Government announced after an emergency meeting on Saturday, to tackle the severe pollution levels in the national capital.
Meanwhile, advisory will be issued to private firms, asking them to allow Work from Home (WFH) to their employees as much as possible. The directions will be applicable for a week from Monday onwards.
"From Monday onwards, schools will be physically closed and run virtually, so that the children don't have to breathe polluted air. Construction activities will not be allowed between November 14 and 17. Government offices will operate from home at 100 per cent capacity for a week, while private offices will be issued an advisory to go for WFH option as much as possible," Kejriwaal told reporters.
The four-step pollution control plan by the Delhi Chief Minister follows the rising levels of pollution, which have covered the skyline of the national capital, leading to continuous deterioration in the city's air quality. The Air Quality Index (AQI) has remained in the 'severe' category for over a week now, settling at 470 on Saturday morning.
Kejriwal also hinted at a possible lockdown in the national capital, stating that discussion on the issue was underway and a draft will be put up before the Supreme Court.
The apex court had asked the Delhi government and the Centre earlier today whether a two-day lockdown can be imposed to curb the air pollution. Responding to this, the Delhi CM said that necessary steps will be taken after consultation with the Central government.
A day ago, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) had asked the states and implementing agencies of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi NCR for "complete readiness" to implement measures under the emergency category.
The Central pollution watchdog has directed the government and private offices to reduce vehicle usage by at least 30 per cent while it advised people to avoid going outdoors.
Earlier today, the Supreme Court termed the rise in air pollution in Delhi-NCR as an emergency situation and stressed upon the need to take crucial measures.
The apex court asked the authorities in Delhi to take immediate measures like putting vehicles off-road and clamping lockdown in Delhi. It also directed the Centre and the Delhi government to take immediate steps to curb pollution and report back on Monday.
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