After the Supreme Court snub, the Delhi Government has decided to close all schools, colleges, coaching, libraries and other educational and training institutions in Delhi from December 3 onwards due to very poor air quality.
The AQI approached an almost severe category in many parts of the national Capital.
However, institutions where exams are being conducted will be exempted, Environment Minister Gopal Rai said on Thursday.
“The Delhi Government has consistently been working according to its action plan to tackle vehicle pollution, dust pollution. But as for the schools, we have decided to close them from Friday. All schools, colleges, educational coaching institutes, skill development & training institutes, other training institutes, libraries (except where exams are being conducted) shall be closed with immediate effect till further review,” Rai said.
As for the Central Vista project, Rai said the Central Government has informed the Supreme Court that the work is of national importance and “We are currently awaiting reports based on which we will proceed”.
He said the Delhi Government will further check reports about violation of anti-dust norms at the construction sites as well.
“All construction-demolition work is already suspended in Delhi, trucks from outside Delhi are also banned from entering Delhi,” he said.