Delhi-NCR Grapples With Severe Air Pollution; Authorities Enforce Strict Guidelines

As the air quality of Delhi-NCR neared the emergency threshold on Thursday, the authorities have issued several guidelines to address the health-threatening pollution.

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal announced that in light of the rising pollution levels, all government and primary schools in Delhi will remain closed on Friday and Saturday.

The Delhi government has also imposed a ban on non-essential construction activities and on the plying of BS-3 petrol and BS-4 diesel cars in Delhi Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Gautam Budh Nagar.

The guidelines involve a complete halt on construction and demolition work except for essential government projects, mining and stone crushing.

Starting November 3, the Delhi Metro is increasing its train services by 20 additional trips throughout its network, to promote the greater utilisation of public transportation in Delhi and its adjacent cities.

Other banned activities include loading and unloading of construction materials, movement of vehicles on unpaved roads, laying of sewer lines, cutting and fixing of tile, road construction, repair works including paving of pathways and central verges.

The government plans to enhance the frequency of mechanical road sweeping and implement daily water-sprinkling, coupled with dust suppressants.