The Delhi government on Monday told the Supreme Court that it is ready to impose a complete lockdown in the national capital to control air pollution, at a time the union territory is grappling with a “very poor” air quality index.

The city government, led by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, has said the lockdown will however have a limited impact and suggested a shutdown in the neighbouring states to beat the pollution.

“The Delhi government is ready to take steps like complete lock down to control local emissions. However, such a step would be meaningful if it is implemented across the NCR areas in neighbouring states. Given Delhi’s compact size, a lock down would have limited impact on the air quality regime,” the government said in its affidavit.

“We are ready to consider this step if the same is mandated for the entire NCR areas by the Government of India or by the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas,” it added.

The schools in Delhi, where the residence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is located, are shut for the week and all government as well as private employees have been asked to work from home.

The construction sites have been shut for three days.