Pollution: Delhi govt tells SC it is ready to impose lockdown

Will Delhi go into a lockdown amid rising levels of air pollution? The Delhi government on Monday told the Supreme Court that it is ready to take steps like complete lockdown to fight air pollution.

Last week the court had asked for an emergency plan to tackle the capital’s alarming air quality crisis.

The Arvind Kejriwal government has, however, added in its affidavit in the top court that the lockdown will have only a limited impact and has suggested that similar restrictions will be needed for the whole of NCR.

Delhi has been witnessing alarming levels of pollution post Diwali. The AQI on Monday was 422, which is severe.

“The Delhi government is ready to take steps like complete lock down 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 lock down would have limited impact on the air quality regime,” says the affidavit.

“We are ready to consider this step if the same is mandated for the entire NCR areas by the Government of India or by the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas,” said the Delhi government.

The Delhi government has already announced the closure of physical classes in schools, colleges and other educational institutions, except those where exams are being conducted, for a week from Monday.

All government offices, agencies and autonomous bodies, except those involved in essential services, have been directed to ask employees to work from home. No construction and demolition activity is allowed in the capital till November 17.