Delhi on high pollution watch, shuts schools, construction sites

Schools in Delhi will be closed for a week and construction sites for four days. Reason: A worsening air pollution crisis.

“Talks on a potential complete lockdown in the Capital were also under way, but any decision would only be taken after consultation with the Central Government,” Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said.

The move comes hours after the Supreme Court expressed concern that schools in the Capital had opened and children were being exposed to severe pollution.

The Supreme Court called the pollution situation “very serious.” Air quality in the Capital has turned to severe due to crop stubble burning, emissions from transport, coal-fired plants outside the city and other industry, as well as open garbage burning and dust.

Calling the rise in pollution levels an “emergency situation’, Kejriwal said that all Delhi Government offices will remain closed for a week, but all officials will work from home. All private offices will be advised to shift to work-from-home.

A Bench headed by Chief Justice N V Ramana said there are other reasons for pollution such as vehicular emissions, firecrackers and dust, and singling out stubble burning is not the solution.

During the hearing, the apex court said, “Your projection is as if farmers are responsible for this pollution. Seventy per cent. First let the Delhi people be controlled. Where is the effective mechanism to control firecrackers, vehicle pollution etc?.” The court asked the Centre to revert by Monday.