UP bans stubble burning

With the Air Quality Index (AQI) nearing 500 mark at several places, the Uttar Pradesh government has banned burning of stubble and ordered a halt to construction activities.

In an advisory, a state government official said that the ban has been imposed in view of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) directive in this regard.

The official said that 10-year-old diesel and 15-year-old petrol vehicles would not be allowed to enter the NCR.

He said that all construction activities have been banned, though the laborers would continue to receive their wages.

The AQI has been hovering around 450 mark in many cities. In the state capital it reached 468 on Thursday.