Delhi Pollution: Commission For Air Quality Management To Decide By Tomorrow On Reopening Schools, Industrial Units

Schools and industrial units had been shut for weeks after Delhi pollution had reached dangerous levels. So to not expose children to these dangerous pollutions schools were asked to be closed.

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New Delhi: The decision on reopening schools and constructions sites will be taken by Friday the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) informed the Supreme Court in an affidavit, reported NDTV. Schools were shut a few days after Diwali after pollution had reached dangerous levels due to stubble burning, industries which took pollution to higher levels with the firecrackers.

These relaxations will be based on the impact of those already made for industrial units, the central air quality commission told the Supreme Court on Wednesday ahead of a hearing today. The commission, which has eased several restrictions on industrial processes and the operation of plants and factories over the past week.

“The representations put forth by various project proponents and associations in the building and construction/ demolition sector, as also by the association of schools/educational institutions are under active examination and consideration by the commission and a decision on these would also be taken soon on or before December 17, based on the impact of the relaxations given above,” the CAQM’s affidavit stated according to HT.

The six thermal plants which had been shut after Diwali have been asked to reopen and work at minimum requirements due to the power demand surging as extreme winter conditions set in, the panel told the court.

With the exception of CNG/electric trucks and those carrying essential commodities, trucks will still not be allowed to enter Delhi. 

Industries related to medicines, drugs, and life-saving medical equipment will be around the clock and the commission has lifted the ban on milk and dairy production unit has been allowed to operate for eight hours. 

Paper and pulp processing, distilleries, and captive thermal power plants, and industries related to paddy/rice processing will work full hours for five days a week and will remain shut on the weekend. 

Flying squads had been monitoring to make sure that restrictions were followed, reported NDTV the affidavit as saying adding that the enforcement task force has issued closure notices for 40 sites so far for non-compliance.

A bench comprising Chief Justice of India NV Ramana and justices Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud and Surya Kant will consider the commission’s affidavit on Thursday when it resumes hearing PIL on air quality measures in the Capital, said an HT.