NEW DELHI, Nov 17: Schools which were closed on Monday for a week in view of the persisting severe air pollution in the region, have been ordered to remain closed indefinitely. All Government offices, agencies and autonomous bodies, except essential services, have been asked to work from home.

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) said only five of the 11 thermal power plants located within 300 km radius of Delhi - NTPC, Jhajjar; Mahatma Gandhi TPS, CLP Jhajjar; Panipat TPS, HPGCL; Nabha Power Ltd. TPS, Rajpura and Talwandi Sabo TPS, Mansa - will remain operational till November 30.

The commission also directed Delhi and the neighbouring States to prevent construction activities in the region till November 21. The exceptions are "railway services/railway stations, metro rail corporation services, including stations, airports and inter-state bus terminals (ISBTS) and national security/defence-related activities/ projects of national importance"

It has also banned trucks carrying non-essential items from entering Delhi till Sunday.

After a meeting with the officials of Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday, the CAQM said, "All public and private schools, colleges and educational institutions in NCR shall remain closed until further orders allowing only online mode of education."

No diesel and petrol vehicles older than 10 years and 15 years, respectively, will ply on the road. All industries in NCR still using unapproved fuels shall also be closed.