Delhi air pollution: Haryana bans construction activities in 14 districts

According to the order, issued by Siddhinath Roy, additional chief secretary, of environment and climate change, construction activities have also been banned in 14 NCR districts.

The Haryana government on Friday ordered the closure of all schools in four districts that fall in the national capital region (NCR) in wake of the deterioration in air quality in Delhi-NCR. This includes Gurgaon, Faridabad, Sonepat and Jhajjar -- all four share borders with Delhi.

Delhi's 24-hour AQI was 429 on Thursday. (HT Photo)

According to the order, issued by Siddhinath Roy, additional chief secretary, of environment and climate change, construction activities have also been banned in 14 NCR districts. Only non-polluting works like plumbing, carpentry, electrical work, interior decoration and those activities exclusively permitted by the Commission for Air Quality Management for NCR and adjoining areas, will be allowed.

A complete ban has also been ordered on the operation of diesel generator sets except for emergency purposes till the pollution condition improves.

The order comes a day after Delhi decided to close schools in the city, due to the Delhi air quality plunging to alarming levels. The city has already closed construction and demolition activities. Only construction work in hospitals has been allowed by the Supreme Court.

Neighbouring NCR towns Faridabad (289) and Greater Noida (250) recorded 'poor' air quality on Friday morning. The AQIs in Ghaziabad (331), Gurgaon (309) and Noida (315) were in the 'very poor' category.

Delhi's 24-hour AQI was 429 on Thursday.

An AQI between zero and 50 is considered 'good', 51 and 100 'satisfactory', 101 and 200 'moderate', 201 and 300 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', and 401 and 500 'severe'.