The Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority has urged the Supreme Court to direct all Delhi schools to declare a holiday on days air pollution levels are so high they are deemed particularly harmful for human health.

“Closure of kindergartens, primary and middle schools is one of the steps taken in China on days when pollution levels are high.

Such a measure is essential in Delhi,” the EPCA has said in a report submitted to the apex court. A steep hike in parking charges to limit the use of private vehicles, an additional 30 per cent cess on diesel vehicles to limit their use and blanket ban on commercial vehicles not fit for Delhi are some of the other suggestions made by the authority to the apex court to check pollution.

A typical smoggy day in Delhi, where pollution levels have been rising alarmingly

Submitted to the SC on Friday, the report also suggests that on days when the air pollution is severe and toxic, use of private cars should be banned, with only public transport allowed on roads, besides a complete prohibition on the entry of commercial vehicles.

“Delhi has lost the gains made through the introduction of clean fuel CNG as current pollution levels are high and toxic,” says the report submitted by environmentalist Sunita Narain to a bench headed by Chief Justice of India H.L. Dattu.

“It is clear that the city needs to bring urgent, drastic and long- term reforms to reduce this burden. The EPCA, in collaboration with the Centre for Science and Environment, is listing out an agenda for cleaning Delhi,” the report adds.

It said, in addition, the central government needs to advance the introduction of Euro IV (Bharat Stage IV) across the country from its current schedule of 2017.

“These actions are necessary to take for combating air pollution. As yet, government response is inadequate and the burden of ill health on people, particularly the most vulnerable, is huge and unacceptable,” it says.

The report points out that across the world, governments take actions based on the quality of air in their city on a particular day.

“This allows for advisories to the most vulnerable so that they reduce their exposure. It also takes emergency action to reduce emissions on these high pollution days," it says.

"About 80 per cent of government-owned cars have to be taken off the roads, private cars will be allowed on alternate days according to number plates. This is what needs to be done in Delhi."

Also outlined in the report is how rapid motorisation based on poor quality fuel and vehicle technology will make air pollution trend irreversible.