High pollution level leads to ‘public health emergency’; NCR schools shut

NEW DELHI: The national capital region (NCR) experienced its most polluted day in nearly two yearsonFridayastheairquality deterioratedsharply, forcingthe authorities to advise people to stayindoors, shut down schools, banallconstructionactivity,and declare a “public health emergency”.AccordingtoCentralPollution Control Board (CPCB)’s 4pmbulletin, Delhi’saverageair quality index (AQI) was at 484 – upfrom410thedaybefore–while the concentration of PM2.5 and PM10 dust particles crossed ‘emergency’ thresholds at midnight.

In Noida and Ghaziabad, the AQI was 499, while it was 469 in Gurugram.Infourof38monitoring stations, the AQI readings topped out at 500 -- the highest levelthatcanberecorded. Itwas on November 9, 2017 when the AQIlastcrossedthelevelseenon Friday,havingsettledthenat486.

ISLAMABAD/NEW DELHI: Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday announced several concessions for Sikh pilgrims visiting Darbar Sahib Gurdwara at Kartarpur in Pakistan’s Punjab for the celebrations of the 550th birthanniversaryofGuruNanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism.

ThePakistanpremiersaidthat Sikhs from India visiting the gurdwara,whichisthefinalrestingplaceofGuruNanakDev,the founder of Sikhism, will not requireapassporttocrossoverto Pakistan as long as they possessed a valid identity card and waivedthe$20servicefeeon pilgrims for two days.

“For Sikhs coming forpilgrimagetoKartarpurfromIndia,I’ve waived off two requirements: they won’t need a passportjust a valid ID; second, they no longer have to register 10 days in advance.Also,nofeewill be charged on the day of inauguration (November 9) and on Guruji’s550thbirthday(November 12),” Khan tweeted.

India has been seeking a completewaiverofthe$20servicefee which Pakistan decided to impose on each pilgrim and called it a “matter of disappointment” that Islamabad did not heed the request.

ReactingtothePakistanprime minister’s announcement, Punjab chief minister Captain AmarinderSinghonFridayexpressed his gratitude but urged that Islamabad “apply this not just to Sikhs but all citizens of secular India”.

“Happy & grateful for waiver of passport & advance registration conditions for Sikh pilgrimsby@ImranKhanPTI govt, but would urge Pakistan to apply this not just to Sikhs but all citizensofsecularIndia,” Singh said in a tweet.

He also reiterated India’sdemandtowaiveoff

the $20 fee on all days.