The pollution level in the country’s capital Delhi and its surrounding areas has remained very poor for several weeks. To curb this, the Commission for Air Quality Monitoring (CAQM) has directed the closure of all schools, colleges and educational institutions in Delhi and NCR. That is, now students will have to study online till the following order of CAQM.
Instructions for working in work from home mode
CAQM has also been directed to work in work from the home mode in NCR. The department has said that by November 21, only 50 per cent of staff should be called in all private offices.
It has also been said in the order that till November 21, only trucks connected with the delivery of essential goods should be given entry in the capital Delhi. Ten years old diesel and 15-year-old petrol vehicles will not be allowed to ply on the roads.
Rules for building construction and thermal power plants
Apart from closing schools and colleges, CAQM has also given instructions regarding the construction of buildings. Under this, the work of construction and demolition of buildings has been banned till November 21.
However, this ban will not apply to construction works related to railway, metro, airport, bus stand and national security. Out of 11 thermal power plants built within 300 km of Delhi, only five have been ordered to keep running. All other power plants will remain closed till November 30.
AQI reached the dangerous position
Pollution has become uncontrolled in the capital of Delhi since Diwali. Stubble is also being burnt in Punjab and Haryana at this time. The Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 330 in the capital Delhi on Sunday. It was 437 on Saturday. Friday’s AQI was the worst; then, it had reached 471.
Supreme Court hearing today
The Supreme Court will once again hear the pollution situation in Delhi. Earlier, during the hearing on November 15, the court had said that all the pollution control units should tell how it can be controlled in Delhi-NCR.
The Supreme Court had also asked the same question to the Delhi government, in response to which the Kejriwal government had said that a lockdown could be imposed to control pollution. In a conversation with the media, the Delhi government also said that it is ready to set a lockdown at the weekend.
