All schools in Ggn to be closed till Sunday

GURUGRAM: Deadly air quality levels in the national Capital have resulted in the Delhi government resorting to introduction of the Odd–Even vehicle rationing scheme once again.

However, Delhi is not only severely affected by smog. Residents in other cities of the National Capital Region are also being forced to inhale poisonous air.

On Thursday, the district administration of Gurugram also took stringent measures to tackle worsening air quality levels. To begin with, the Deputy Commissioner directed that all government and private schools will be closed till Monday.

There have also been strict orders to shut down all brick kilns, stone crushers and hot mix plants, and usage of coal and fire woods has also been banned in open eateries and hotels.

To prevent dust pollution, Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) has been asked to ensure mechanised sweeping and sprinkling of water, both during the day and at night, all over the busy city.

On Thursday, various private tankers that were contracted by the civic body were seen sprinkling water on the roads.

MCG and the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) have been directed to strictly enforce the ban on construction activities and impose heavy fines on erring builders.

The district police have been directed to ensure strict vigilance and have been told to penalise polluting vehicles, in addition to ensure strict enforcement of pollution under control (PUC) norms.

Citizen participation has also been sought, with resident welfare associations and house owners being told to provide electric heaters to security staff to dissuade them from burning wood and leaves in the open to seek warmth.

For three days in a row, Gurugram has recorded PM2.5 levels above 400 microgram per cubic metre.

Medical experts have warned that prolonged exposure to this poisonous particle can lead to severe respiratory ailments and other health disorders.