National

Delhi’s toxic air suspends construction work in Punjab, Haryana

New Delhi: The central government has decided to ban construction activities in view of the rising pollution levels in Delhi-NCR, as the sky in the national capital was covered with a thick layer of smoke and the pollution level reached the ‘severe’ category for the first time this season. 
Scientists have warned of an increase in pollution levels in the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) during the next two weeks. 
       At the same time, doctors issued a warning of increasing respiratory problems. The air quality index (AQI) in Narela was 488, followed by Mundka (498), Bawana (496) and Punjabi Bagh (484). 
       In view of the dangerous level of pollution in Delhi, primary schools have been closed for two days. In a separate order, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) said classes in its schools will not be conducted for the next two days. 
      The MCD said that as per the order of the Air Quality Management Commission, it has been decided that classes will be conducted through online mode on November 3 and 4 in all MCD and MCD-aided schools in NCR and adjoining areas.