Highlights:
- The Delhi suggested SC that implementing lockdown across the NCR regions in neighbouring states would be meaningful.
- At 9.05 a.m., the air quality index in Ghaziabad was 328, Greater Noida (340), Gurgaon (326), and Noida (328).
The Delhi government told the Supreme Court today that it is prepared to impose a complete lockdown in order to control air pollution in the city.
The Delhi government urged to the Supreme Court that implementing lockdown across the NCR regions in bordering states would be meaningful.
Meanwhile, national capital’s AQI remained ‘very poor’ for the second day in a row on Monday, with an AQI of 342.
At 9.05 a.m., the air quality index in Ghaziabad, Greater Noida, Gurgaon, and Noida was 328, 340, 326, and 328, respectively.
On Sunday, there was a noticeable improvement in Delhi’s air quality, though it remained in the ‘very bad’ category.
Also Read: Severe Air Pollution Tightens Grip Over Delhi, North India; AQI Index Falls To Severe Category
On Sunday, the national capital had a 24-hour average air quality index (AQI) of 330, down from 473 the previous day, as pollution from farm fires in Haryana and Punjab decreased dramatically.
An AQI of zero to 50 is regarded ‘good’, 51 to 100 indicates ‘satisfactory’, 101 to 200 indicates ‘moderate’, 201 to 300 indicates ‘poor’, 301 to 400 indicates ‘very poor,’ and 401 to 500 ‘severe.’
Furthermore, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai said on Sunday that his department has issued a directive to guarantee the appropriate implementation of the city government’s emergency air pollution control measures.
He further added that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government will file a proposal to implement a lockdown owing to rising air pollution in Delhi as well as its modalities with the Supreme Court on Monday.
Rai stated that all schools, libraries, and institutions will be closed until November 20, with the exception of those where examinations are being held. Construction and demolition will be prohibited until November 17.
Also Read: Consider Work From Home For Employees In NCR Says SC Suggesting Steps To Deal With Air Pollution
During a press conference, the minister told reporters, “In the order issued on late Saturday night by the department, we have clarified that those schools or educational institutions where exams are already being conducted will remain open. All other educational institutions will be closed till November 20.”
According to a notification issued by the Delhi government’s environment secretary, all construction operations in the city would be suspended till November 17 with immediate effect.
It stated that all offices of the Delhi government, autonomous bodies, and corporations will be closed until November 17, with the exception of those involved in emergency services such as police, health and family welfare, medical establishments, the public works department, the environment department, and the fire department. “Except for those working with emergency services, government employees from all departments will work from home until November 17. We have also advised private companies to enable their staff to work from home,” Rai said.
