New Delhi: In a bid to curb the rising pollution levels, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) directed that schools, colleges and educational institutions in the National Capital Region will remain closed until further orders, allowing only online mode of education.
The Commission directed Delhi and the NCR states to stop construction and demolition activities in the region till November 21, barring railway services/railway stations, metro rail corporation services, including stations, airports and inter-state bus terminals (ISBTS) and national security/defence-related activities/ projects of national importance subject to strict compliance of the C&D Waste Management Rules and dust control norms.
This was disclosed on late Tuesday night and it also said that only five of the 11 thermal power plants located within 300 km radius of Delhi NTPC, Jhajjar; Mahatma Gandhi TPS, CLP Jhajjar; Panipat TPS, HPGCL; Nabha Power Limited TPS, Rajpura and Talwandi Sabo TPS, Mansa will remain operational
till November 30.
Furthermore, trucks carrying non-essential items have been banned from entering Delhi till Sunday. The Commission convened a meeting on Tuesday with senior officials of Delhi and NCR states of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan in regard to the severe air pollution in the region ahead of a Supreme Court hearing on the issue.
NCR state governments have been directed to allow work from home (WFH) for at least 50 percent of their staff in offices in NCR till Sunday and encourage private establishments to follow suit.
All industries in NCR still using unapproved fuels shall be closed by respective governments with immediate effect. NCR States and GNCTD shall enforce a strict ban on use of DG sets, except for emergency services, the panel stated.
Authorities in NCR have been ordered to ensure that no diesel and petrol vehicles older than 10 years and 15 years are found plying on road.
The Delhi government has been directed to procure and put on road adequate number of CNG buses at the earliest.
Chief Secretaries of Delhi and NCR states have been directed to monitor the implementation of the directions on a regular basis and file a compliance report before the Commission on Monday.
The Delhi government had ordered the closure of physical classes in schools, colleges and other educational institutions for a week from Monday.
All government offices, agencies and autonomous bodies, except those involved in essential services, have been asked to work from home.
Delhi's Air quality continues to be in the 'very poor' category for the fourth consecutive day on Wednesday, as per the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR). However, the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) reduced from 396 from Tuesday to 379 on Wednesday.
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