Strict ban imposed on construction and demolition activities in entire National Capital Region as air quality deteriorates

National Capital Delhi continues to reel under severe air pollution. A thick layer of smog engulfed Delhi as Air Quality dipped into Severe category. The Air Quality Index AQI was recorded 464 at 7 AM this morning. Experts say that rise in stubble burning and adverse meteorological conditions led to a sudden deterioration in air quality. 

The Graded Response Action Plan, GRAP stage -3 has been imposed in Delhi with immediate effect. Union Environment Ministry said that the Sub-Committee for operationalisation of the Graded Response Action Plan met yesterday. It has enforced a strict ban on construction and demolition activities in the entire National Capital Region. 

The Committee has asked to ensure daily water sprinkling along with dust



suppressants and intensify the frequency of vacuum-based sweeping of roads. The committee has also asked to close down the operations of stone crushers and all mining and associated activities in the NCR. It has appealed to the citizens to not use coal and wood for heating purposes.

All government and private primary schools in Delhi will remain closed today and tomorrow. This was informed by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in a social media post.

The District Magistrate of Gurugram Nishant Kumar Yadav has imposed Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Act to combat air pollution in Gurugram. The authorities have been directed to ensure strict compliance and report any violations.