Gurugram schools, brick kilns shut due to pollution

Gurugram, Nov 9 (IANS) All private and government schools here have been shut for Friday and Saturday along with brick kilns amid rising pollution levels, it was announced on Thursday.

Gurugram authorities also decided to ban the entry of trucks and other heavy vehicles barring exceptions into the national capital.

The Gurugram Traffic Police has been told to divert heavy traffic away from Delhi, an official said.

"If the current situation persists for the next 48 hours, a decision will be taken to stop all construction activities in Gurugram," the official said.

Delhi Metro and Haryana Roadways have been directed to increase their trips, the official said.

"The Municipal Corporation of Gurugram has been told to do mechanized sweeping and sprinkling of water both during day and night on roads with high dust generation," he said.

The authorities may also decide, like in Delhi, to enhance parking fee by 3-4 times in a bid to persuade motorists to take to public transport.

"Police have been told not to tolerate visibly polluting vehicles," added the official.

The steps are part of efforts to fight a thick smog that has enveloped Delhi and adjoining areas, triggering serious health concerns.