Schools close as smog-laden India capital considers lockdown
CTV
Schools were closed indefinitely and some coal-based power plants shut down as the smog-shrouded Indian capital and neighbouring states invoked harsh measures Wednesday amid considerations of a lockdown in New Delhi to combat worsening air pollution.
India's top court is deliberating on the lockdown -- a first of its kind in the country to stem pollution and not to control coronavirus infections.
It's not clear how far it would go, but the New Delhi government has already shown its willingness to impose an emergency weekend lockdown, similar to the one implemented during the pandemic. It's now waiting for the Supreme Court's decision, which could come as early as Nov. 24.
The government is discussing whether they it would keep the industries open, and some experts say a lockdown would achieve very little in controlling pollution but rather would cause disruptions in the economy and impact the livelihoods of millions of people.
"This is not the solution that we are looking for, because this is hugely disruptive. And we also have to keep in mind that the economy is already under pressure, poor people are at risk," said Anumita Roychowdhury, executive director at the Center for Science and Environment, a research and advocacy organization in New Delhi.
