Delhi Declares Holidays for Primary Schools as Air Pollution Worsens
New Delhi: The air pollution level in the capital city of Delhi has reached its worst level, prompting the government to declare holidays for primary schools until November 10. In addition to school closures, the entry of vehicles and construction work in Delhi has been prohibited.
Over the past few weeks, air pollution levels have been rapidly increasing in various parts of Delhi, leading to numerous physical ailments among the population, including suffocation. To prioritize the welfare of the students, the state government has ordered a holiday for primary schools across Delhi until November 10. Delhi Education Minister Adishi stated that students from 6th to 12th standard will be conducting classes online during this period.
Earlier, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had announced a holiday for all government and private primary schools on the 3rd as Delhi’s air pollution reached alarming levels. With the air pollution reaching the severe plus category, continuous holidays have been announced for schools until November 10.
At 4 pm on November 4th, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi reached 415. By 7 am the following day (November 5th), it further worsened to 460.
The concentration of dust and particulate matter in the air, specifically PM2.5, has surpassed safe limits recommended by the World Health Organization and the government. Continuous inhalation of this polluted air poses significant health risks as it penetrates deep into the respiratory system.
The burning of paddy waste in the neighboring states of Punjab and Haryana, coupled with variations in wind and temperature, is severely affecting Delhi’s air quality.
According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board, the air quality index in Delhi has increased by more than 200 points between October 27th and November 3rd. On the 3rd, the air quality index exceeded 450, reaching the worst level deemed as ‘Severe Plus.’
Neighboring cities such as Ghaziabad, Gurugram, Noida, Greater Noida, Faridabad, Delhi University, and Lodhi Road are also experiencing hazardous air quality.
Doctors emphasize the importance of maintaining an air quality index below 50 for good health. However, Delhi has seen a significant increase in the air quality index over the past few days, crossing the 400 mark. This poses a grave threat to the residents, particularly those with lung-related diseases, and may even increase the risk of lung cancer.
To combat the alarming air pollution levels, the central government has implemented stringent regulations, including the prohibition of vehicles other than trucks and essential goods or services transportation in Delhi. Public projects, construction, and demolition activities have also been banned.
In a list by Switzerland-based organization IQ evaluating air quality, Delhi has topped the chart as the city with the worst air pollution levels. Other cities such as Kolkata and Mumbai in India, Lahore and Karachi in Pakistan, and Dhaka in Bangladesh are also included in the list.
Efforts to restore air quality in Delhi and its surrounding regions are underway, with the central government implementing various measures to combat the crisis.