Pollution: Schools In Gurugram, Faridabad To Be Closed Till Nov 17, Haryana Govt Orders Curbs In Four Districts

Air Pollution: CJI NV Ramana had asked the Centre to call an emergency meeting and take immediate steps.

Representative Photo

New Delhi: In view of air pollution, the Haryana government on Sunday ordered the closure of all government and private schools in four districts along with a ban on construction activities till November 17.

This comes after Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday evening announced a series of curbs for the coming days to improve the national capital's air quality. 

The Haryana government ordered for closure of schools and a restriction on construction activities in four districts around NCT Delhi -- Gurugram, Faridabad, Sonipat, and Jhajjar, news agency ANI reported.

The state government also advised government and private offices to adopt work from home in the four districts. The municipalities are also banned from burning garbage, added the government. There will also be a ban on stubble burning, ANI reported.

On Saturday, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal said that all schools in the national capital will be physically closed from Monday (November 15) and will continue classes virtually so that children don't have to breathe in polluted air.

He also said that construction activities will not be allowed in Delhi between November 14-17.

The Delhi Chief Minister also announced that all government offices in the national capital will operate from home (Work From Home) at 100 per cent capacity for a week.

Even private offices to be issued an advisory to go for the WFH option as much as possible.

CM Arvind Kejriwal, after an emergency meeting, had said that the pollution level is rising in Delhi due to stubble burning in the neighbouring states and called upon all stakeholders to work together to combat it.

Terming the rise in air pollution in Delhi-NCR post-Diwali an 'emergency' situation, the Supreme Court had asked the Centre and Delhi government to take immediate measures to improve the air quality and suggested steps such as stopping vehicles and clamping a lockdown in the national capital.

During the hearing on Saturday, Justice Chandrachud said, "Little children are going to school in this situation, they are facing a difficult task."

Chief Justice of India NV Ramana asked the Centre to call an emergency meeting and take immediate steps: "We want something to be done that will improve things in two-three days. It's a serious problem and we have to wear masks at home too".