Amid pollution concerns, Haryana to shut schools in 4 districts part of NCR

Keeping in view the rising levels of air pollution in the districts of Haryana around the National Capital Territory, Delhi i.e. Gurugram, Faridabad, Sonipat and Jhajjar, the Haryana Government has decided that all schools will remain closed with immediate effect till November 17, 2021. Giving information in this regard an official spokesperson said that the State Government is voluntarily putting a number of measures in operation with immediate effect for the next seven days in revenue districts of Faridabad, Gurugram and Jhajjar falling within NCR area. He said that as per the directions issued in a letter by Chief Secretary-cum- Chairperson, Haryana State Executive Committee to all the Administrative Secretaries in the State of Haryana, Director General of Haryana Police, Divisional Commissioners and IGPS, Gurugram , Faridabad and Rohtak, Deputy Commissioners and SPs Gurugram, Faridabad, Sonipat and Jhajjar, Chairman, Haryana State Pollution Control Board, Panchkula, Member Secretary, Haryana State Pollution Control Board, Panchkula, all Government and Private Schools shall remain closed. He further said that with an aim to reduce 30 percent plying of vehicles on roads which will impact vehicular emissions and also reduce dust in the air, all Government and private offices are advised to work from home. Vehicles older than 10/15 years (Diesel/Petrol respectively) shall be strictly checked with regard to emissions and impounded accordingly, he added.

He also informed that there will be complete ban on all types of construction and development activities. Mechanized Stone Crushers and Hot Mix plants used in construction activities shall be closed. No trash burning by Municipal bodies shall be allowed. Stubble burning shall be prohibited. No manual sweeping of roads shall be allowed, he added. He said that to control dust pollution, water sprinkling on roads will be done. Deputy Commissioners will constitute joint inspection teams for enforcing the above directions/instructions and shall ensure extensive checking, monitoring and action against the violators as per law/rules/instructions/directions issued from time to time by the Haryana Government.