Amidst the outbreak of air pollution, the Haryana government has decided to close schools in four districts of the state falling under NCR. All schools in Gurugram, Faridabad, Sonipat and Jhajjar will remain closed till November 17. Apart from this, all kinds of construction work has also been banned in these districts. There will also be a ban on burning of garbage by municipalities.
- The State Disaster Management Authority has said in its order that
- A decision has been taken to close private and public schools.
- All government and private offices have been advised to work from home.
- Burning of stubble will also be banned during this period.
- There will also be a ban on sweeping of brooms by the employees on the roads.
- Water will be sprinkled on the roads.
It has been said that action will be taken against those who break these rules.
Delhi government took these steps
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced a slew of measures to tackle the pollution woes, including closure of schools for a week, ban on construction activities and work from home for government employees.
After an emergency meeting, Kejriwal said that his government would also present the proposal of lockdown before the top court after discussions with the Centre, Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and other agencies. The air quality in the national capital remained in the ‘severe’ category for the third consecutive day on Saturday with the Air Quality Index (AQI) at 473. There is some improvement in this compared to the day before.
Kejriwal said that in view of the high level of air pollution
- Schools will be closed for a week from Monday.
- ‘Work from home’ will be implemented in respect of government offices
- Separate advisory will be issued for private offices.
- Construction activities will remain prohibited in Delhi from November 14 to 17.
“We are closing schools for a week from Monday so that our children do not have to step out of their homes and breathe polluted air,” the chief minister said.
The Supreme Court on Saturday termed the rise in air pollution in Delhi-NCR as an ’emergency’ and suggested implementation of a lockdown in the national capital. After which the Delhi government announced several steps to reduce pollution.