Delhi schools, colleges to remain shut till further orders owing to air pollution

New Delhi, November 17

The Delhi government has decided to shut schools and other educational institutes, and ban the entry of vehicles from outside, except for essential services, till further orders amid rising pollution levels in the national capital, Environment Minister Gopal Rai announced on Wednesday.

Editorial: Tackling pollution: Firm policy, year-round efforts needed

It has also decided to extend work from home for Delhi government employees and the ban on construction and demolition activities till Sunday.

“A total of 1,000 private CNG buses will be hired to strengthen the public transport system. The process will start on Thursday,” Rai said at a press conference after a high-level meeting with officials of the department concerned.

Also read: Supreme Court refrains from passing any orders on Delhi air pollution; defers hearing to November 24

No relief from air pollution in Delhi-NCR likely till Sunday as air quality is in 'very poor' category

Ahead of a Supreme Court hearing on the air pollution issue, the Commission for Air Quality Management on Tuesday night directed that schools, colleges and educational institutes in the National Capital Region would remain closed until further orders, allowing only online mode of education.

It also said that only five of the 11 thermal power plants located within 300-km radius of Delhi would remain operational till November 30. PTI