Delhi Air Pollution: Primary schools to stay closed till Nov 10; seniors to study online

Amid the deteriorating air quality levels, Delhi’s Education Minister on Sunday announced the closure of all primary schools in the state till November 10. For students in grades 6-12, the schools have been granted the option of shifting their classes online.

“As pollution levels continue to remain high, primary schools in Delhi will stay closed till 10th November. For Grade 6-12, schools are being given the option of shifting to online classes.,” said Delhi Education Minister Atishi on social media platform ‘X.’

The air quality index deteriorated from 415 at 4 pm on Saturday to 460 at 7 am on Sunday.

Previously, Delhi Chief Minister announced the closure of all government and private primary schools till November 5 in view of rising pollution levels. The deteriorating situation has extended it to November 10.

Pollution levels in the national capital entered the “severe” zone for the first time this season on Thursday, with scientists warning of a further spike over the next two weeks.

Under the Centre’s air pollution control plan, all emergency measures, including a ban on polluting trucks, commercial four-wheelers, and all types of construction, are mandated to be initiated and enforced in the National Capital Region if the AQI crosses the 450-mark.

The concentration of PM2.5, fine particulate matter capable of penetrating deep into the respiratory system and triggering health problems, exceeded the government-prescribed safe limit of 60 micrograms per cubic metre by seven to eight times at multiple locations throughout Delhi-NCR. It was 80 to 100 times the healthy limit of 5 micrograms per cubic meter set by the WHO.

Air quality in Delhi-NCR declined over the past week due to a gradual drop in temperatures, calm winds that trap pollution, and a surge in post-harvest paddy straw burning across Punjab and Haryana.

(with PTI inputs)

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