New Delhi, Nov. 1 -- The Centre has announced a complete suspension of construction and demolition activities across the National Capital Region (NCR) from November 5 to 20 as part of its efforts to curb rising air pollution during the winter season.

Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav on Friday said the authorities would take prompt action against industries that fail to meet pollution standards, major sources of emissions and traffic congestion hotspots with the help of the new monitoring system.

The announcement comes ahead of the implementation of Delhi's permanent winter anti-pollution framework from November 1. The policy brings several seasonal restrictions under one set of rules, which will apply every year between Novemb...