Spread school closing times to combat air pollution: Lko DM

Schools in the capital will close at different times, traffic-congested intersections will have sidewalks, water sprinklers and smog cannons will hit the roads, while waste from construction sites will be collected and disposed of through Nagar Nigam, to curb air pollution.

These were some of the directions given by District Magistrate Surya Pal Gangwar to combat air pollution at a meeting held on Friday.

The district inspector of schools (DIOS) and basic shiksha adhikari (BSA) were told to implement different closing times for schools to avoid traffic jams, which are a major contributor to air pollution. This especially applies to schools that are nearby.

Mechanical sweepers will be deployed on roads along with water sprinklers and anti-smog guns. A graph of air pollution levels will also be created 24 hours a day.

Awareness among farmers about stubble burning should also be increased. The DM told officials to identify air pollution hotspots in the city and ensure water was sprayed at all such places.

Industry association representatives were told to manage various times of industries over the next fifteen days to reduce emission levels.

During the day, Lucknow recorded an AQI of 191, which falls in the moderate category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data.

Officials from CPCB, Nagar Nigam, forest, urban development, National Highways Authority of India, agriculture, transport, Jal Nigam and other departments participated in the meeting. Officials were told to implement the changes as directed and with immediate effect.

Progress will be monitored and further changes to the guidelines will be implemented with a view to air quality in the district.