With pollution levels "hitting emergency levels", the Delhi government on Saturday night announced that schools, colleges and government offices will be closed for one week but did not impose an immediate lockdown.
A decision on lockdown will be taken after consulting all stakeholders and presenting a draft proposal before the court soon on whether it could be done or not. Construction activities are also banned in the capital between November 14 and 17, as weather forecasts indicate a "fatal pollution situation" during the period.
The decisions were taken at an emergency meeting chaired by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who said "tough decisions" had to be taken to protect lives and cannot "waste crucial time by entering into a blame-game".
The Chief Minister attributed the higher level of pollution to stubble burning in neighbouring states. "Sole motive of the Delhi Government and the people of Delhi at this juncture is to overcome this emergency," Kejriwal said.
Keeping the children's health in mind, physical classes in schools, colleges and educational institutes have been shut for a week with classes returning to the virtual world.
While all government offices will be closed for one week, the entire workforce will have to work from home, which will significantly reduce vehicular movement in the national capital. Private offices are also advised to follow suit.
On the suggestion for a lockdown coming up during a court hearing, Kejriwal said they have not jumped into a decision as assessing the impact first is paramount.
"We are drafting a proposal in this prospect and will place it in front of the court in the next hearing. This will be the most extreme step if at all it is taken, so all agencies concerned with the matter will be consulted at length first...If a lockdown like situation comes into place, then all the vehicular, industrial and construction activity may be shut. This is still in the proposal stage and would be placed in front of the court first," he said.
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