Air quality improves slightly, Delhi govt lifts ban on construction

The Delhi government has lifted the ban on construction and demolition activities in view of an improvement in the air quality and inconvenience caused to workers, Environment Minister Gopal Rai said on Monday.

He however said that strict monitoring will continue and any site violating the guidelines for pollution control will be shut down immediately and penalised.

Rai also said the government will take a call on the reopening of schools, colleges and other educational institutions during a review meeting on Wednesday. All Delhi govt staff will continue to work from home till November 26.

Also watch: Delhi pollution: schools to remain shut for physical classes till further orders

The Delhi government on Sunday night extended the ban on the entry of trucks carrying non-essential items to combat air pollution and minimise its health effects.

Strong surface winds gusting up to 30 kilometers per hour barrelled through the capital on Monday, dispersing pollutants and improving the air quality. Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 307 at 1 pm, down from 349 at 4 pm on Sunday.