Delhi Government 'Ready' To Impose Full Lockdown To Control Air Pollution

The Delhi government today told the Supreme Court that it is ready to impose a complete lockdown in the national capital to control air pollution.

It also said that the lockdown would be meaningful if it is implemented across the NCR areas in neighbouring states.

"GNCTD is ready to take steps like complete lockdown to control local emissions. However, such a step would be meaningful if it is implemented across the NCR areas in neighbouring states. Given Delhi's compact size, a lockdown would have limited impact on the air quality regime," said the Delhi government, in an affidavit.

A bench comprising Chief Justice of India NV Ramana, Justice DY Chandrachud, and Justice Surya Kant was hearing a matter seeking emergency steps to control the worsening air quality in Delhi.

AP

"Last day we clarified we are not concerned with politics, we only want pollution to come down..why bring up elections", the Chief Justice of India said.

Pointing to the affidavit filed by the Central Government, Justice Chandrachud observed: "75 per cent of the pollution is due to three factors - industry, dust and transport."

On Saturday, the Supreme Court expressed concerns over worsening air quality and asked the Central government to take immediate measures to address the situation after consulting with various state governments.

The Bench had also suggested that a 2-day lockdown may be imposed to handle the situation, if necessary.

Additionally, the Haryana government has decided to shut all schools in Gurugram, Faridabad, Sonipat and Jhajjar till November 17 amid increasing pollution levels in Delhi-NCR.

Schools shut, government offices to WFH

In wake of air pollution, the Delhi government on Saturday announced that schools will be shut for a week, starting Monday and government offices will operate in work from home mode.

AFP

¡°For a week from Monday onwards, schools will be physically closed; to continue virtually so that children do not have to breathe polluted air," announced Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

¡°Government offices will operate from home (WFH) at 100% capacity for a week. Private offices to be issued an advisory to go for the WFH option as much as possible," he added.

Further, the CM announced construction activities will not be allowed from 14 to 17 November.

The apex court had also expressed concern that schools in the national capital have opened and children are being exposed to severe pollution conditions.