Delhi pollution: Kejriwal bans construction, demolition activities, orders closure of schools

Addressing a press conference after an emergency Cabinet meeting here, Mr Kejriwal said with the pollution choking Delhi, it was time for emergency measures instead of politicising the issue and the need of the hour was to work together.

Kejriwal banned constructions and demolition activities and ordered closure of schools for another three days. "All constructions and demolitions activities will be shut down for five days and no DG sets will be used for 10 days except in hospitals and emergency places," the CM said. As a measure the Badarpur power plant would also remain shut for 10 days and there would be no transportation of fly ash for 10 days, he added.

Kejriwal informed that from tomorrow, water would be sprinkled on the roads on a large scale, besides PWD roads would be vacuum cleaned. Stating that fire from the landfill sites will be doused, Mr Kejriwal urged the people to remain indoors and if possible, work from home.  

Lt Governor Najeeb Jung has called for a high level meeting at his residence here tomorrow to discuss the pollution issue. The city has been witnessing a thick blanket of smog since post Diwali, forcing the authorities to close schools running under the three municipal corporations of Delhi for a day.