50% WFH, Junior Classes Shut From Tomorrow As Delhi Chokes: 10 Points

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also announced that outdoor activities for classes V to VII will be restricted until air quality in the city improves.

"We are also mulling over implementing the odd-even scheme for the running of vehicles," Mr Kejriwal said as quoted by news agency PTI.

Delhi environment minister Gopal Rai on Friday announced that 50 per cent of Delhi government officers will work from home. Mr Rai also advised private offices to follow suit.

Mr Rai announced a ban on non-BS VI diesel-run light motor vehicles. The environment minister also announced the launch of 'Paryavaran Bus Service' which will include 500 privately-run CNG buses. 

"Revenue commissioners will prepare plan for staggered timings for markets and offices," Mr Rai said.

Mr Rai said that special task forces will be set up to curb air pollution at hotspots in Delhi.

Official data on Friday revealed that stubble burning in Punjab contributed 34 per cent to Delhi's PM 2.5 pollution.

"Since our government is in Punjab, we are responsible for the stubble burning. It has been only six months since we formed the government there and there were issues that were being addressed. We are finding solutions. Give us a year's time to address the issue," Mr Kejriwal said.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said bumper paddy harvest has resulted in increased stubble burning. However, he assured that steps are being taken to reduce the burning.

"We are taking steps like there are 1.20 lakh machines to bury stubble. Panchayats have also passed resolutions to stop stubble burning. We promise by November next year, stubble burning will reduce," Mr Mann said.