Delhi govt informs SC it is ready for lockdown to curb pollution

The Arvind Kejriwal government on Monday informed the Supreme Court that it was ready to impose a complete lockdown to curb air pollution in Delhi. But it noted the measure would only be effective if a lockdown was imposed in areas in adjoining states that are part of the National Capital Region.

The information came in a Delhi government affidavit submitted to the Supreme Court during a hearing in a petition filed over the worsening air quality.

A bench comprising Chief Justice of India N.V. Ramana and Justices D.Y. Chandrachud and Surya Kant had expressed concern over the air pollution in Delhi on Saturday.

The court suggested a two-day lockdown on Saturday and had expressed concern about reopening of schools.

The Delhi government informed the Supreme Court "no physical classes would be held in schools this week and government officials would work from home. Private offices have also been advised to work from home. Construction sites will be shut for three days," sources reported.

The bench noted that 75 per cent of pollution in Delhi was attributed to transport, industries and dust.