New Delhi, Dec 24 (KNN) The rising level of air quality index has prompted Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)-led task force to recommend a closure of factories located in hotspot industrial areas and a ban on construction activities till Wednesday.

The CPCB has recommended to the Supreme Court-appointed Environment Pollution Control Authority (EPCA) to shut down industries located in the hotspot industrial areas of Wazirpur, Mundka, Narela, Bawana, Sahibabad and Faridabad until Wednesday.

It also recommended a ban on construction activities in Delhi, Faridabad, Gurugram, Ghaziabad and Noida during the same period.

Besides, CPCB added that the traffic police should deploy special teams to ensure smooth vehicular movement, especially in identified high traffic corridors.

Also, the board recommended the agencies concerned to increase surveillance to find industrial waste dumping or burning especially in hotspots that are vulnerable to high pollution level.

Further, it suggested water sprinkling and mechanized sweeping to control air pollution.

The task force also urged people to avoid using private vehicles particularly diesel vehicles and minimize outdoor exposure for next three to five days, especially for those with respiratory illness, the CPCB said.

On Monday, 32 areas of the national capital recorded 'severe' air quality, while five areas recorded air of 'very poor' quality, according to the CPCB.