India, Oct. 30 -- The Centre on Friday announced a pause on construction and demolition activities across Delhi-NCR from November 5 to 20 in view of the pollution situation that begins in the national capital with the onset of winters.

The state government and private offices have also been directed to operate with upto 50% of the staff strength attending physically, while the remaining will work from home.

Announcing the air pollution curbs, the government said that historical data indicates that pollution during mid-November peaks and Air Quality Index (AQI) levels reach 'Severe' and 'Severe+' categories on certain days. "This recurring pattern underscores the need for timely preventive interventions to minimize emissions before and d...