The Centre has announced a temporary halt on construction and demolition activities across Delhi-NCR from November 5 to 20 as the capital braces for worsening air pollution.
Government and private offices have also been directed to operate with up to 50% of staff attending physically, while the remaining employees work from home. The measures apply to Delhi and parts of the NCR, including Gurugram, Faridabad, Sonipat, Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddha Nagar.
Certain essential and infrastructure projects, including railways, metro services, airports, hospitals, water supply and national security-related works, have been exempted.
Delhi’s air quality improved to the ‘Moderate’ category with an AQI of 133 on Friday following overnight rainfall. However, forecasts indicate pollution levels could enter the ‘Poor’ category from November 1.
The restrictions aim to reduce emissions ahead of the winter pollution peak, when air quality in the region often deteriorates to ‘Severe’ levels.
