New Delhi: In view of severe air pollution in the national capital, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday announced a list of measures to be taken up by the state government in coming days to combat soaring air pollution in the city. 


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"All demolition and construction work will be banned in Delhi for next five days. Except for hospitals and emergency places, no diesel generator sets will be used in Delhi for next 10 days," CM Kejriwal, who addressed media today, announced. 


The Aam Aadmi Party convener further announced that all schools in the national capital will remain closed for next three days and strict action will be action taken those found burning trash. 


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"All schools will be closed for next 3 days in Delhi. Anybody found burning trash in Delhi will face with severe punishment," CM Kejriwal said. "Vacuum cleaning of roads will start from November 10, whereas jet sprinkling of roads will begin from tomorrow," he added.


The Badarpur Plant will remain shut for next 10 days whereas transportation of fly ashes will also remain shut for next 10 days. 


Kejriwal also stated that the Odd-Even road rationing scheme will return to keep traffic emissions in check, adding that the possibility of artificial rain was also discussed in the meeting, but it would need Centre's help in that. 


Also Read: Crop burning by neighbouring states main contributor to Delhi's air pollution: AAP's Satyendra Jain


Remaining resolute on his stand that crop burning in neighboring states remains the main contributor to city's thick smog, Kejriwal added that no immediate relief could be expected as stubble burning continued.


Kejriwal further urged youngsters, elderly and vulnerable to stay at home and advised older people and those with a heart or lung problem to avoid going out in open for a walk.


Meanwhile, reacting to allegations by Delhi CM Kejriwal that pollution in the national capital was primarily due to the stubble burning in Punjab, Chief Minister Prakash Singh Badal defended saying that farmers in Punjab have been provided with better equipment that can help in cutting of crops in a better way. 


Also Read: As Delhi air pollution peaks, Arvind Kejriwal calls emergency meet; asks Centre to intervene


"We have asked them several times, not to burn the stubble. We have also given them machines which can help in cutting of crops in a better way, but they do some or the other mistake," CM Badal told ANI. 


Earlier today, hundreds of people, including children, staged a protest at Jantar Mantar, demanding that the government take effective initiatives to curb the rising air pollution. The protest, organized by various citizen's group of Delhi, was also joined by celebrities such as Nafisa Ali.