New Delhi, November 4
Alarmed by hazardous pollution levels in Delhi, Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Friday ordered 50 per cent staff of the Delhi government to work from home and said an advisory would be issued to private offices to follow suit.
Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said primary schools would be closed from Saturday in a bid to protect children from the effects of worsening air quality.
At a press conference, Rai said schools would be asked to curtail outdoor activities of senior students.
He said the Delhi government had decided to implement the anti-pollution curbs recommended by the Commission for Air Quality Management, including a ban on non-BS VI diesel-run light motor vehicles.
At a meeting with departments concerned, it has been decided that 50 per cent staff of government offices will work from home from Monday and an advisory will be issued to private offices to follow suit,” Rai said.
In a bid to ramp up public transport, the government will also launch ‘Paryavaran Bus Service’ which will include 500 privately run CNG buses.
Rai said a six-member team comprising senior officials had been set up to monitor the implementation of the curbs on anti-polluting activities.
Revenue commissioners had been asked to prepare a plan for staggered timings of markets and offices, he said, adding that the government would implement the odd-even car rationing scheme if the need arose and discussions on it were on.
