New Delhi Shuts Primary Schools Amid Severe Air Quality Crisis
On Thursday, November 14, New Delhi’s government announced the closure of all primary schools in response to deteriorating air quality, which has reached alarming levels, Al Jazeera reported yesterday.
Chief Minister Atishi stated that in-person classes would be replaced with online learning until further notice. This decision comes as the city grapples with severe pollution, exacerbated by seasonal factors such as humidity and stagnant winds.
The air quality index (AQI) in New Delhi has been categorized as “severe,” with PM2.5 levels recorded at over 50 times the World Health Organization’s recommended daily maximum. As a result, visibility has dropped to just 300 meters (984 feet), leading to significant disruptions in air travel, including delays for 88% of departing flights and 54% of arrivals on Thursday.
In addition to school closures, the government has banned non-essential construction activities and urged residents to avoid burning coal for heating. Measures to combat the pollution include sprinkling water on roads to suppress dust and mechanized street cleaning, which are set to begin on Friday morning.
The impact of the pollution crisis is evident, with hospitals reporting a surge in respiratory issues among children, including asthma and allergies. Pediatricians have noted a significant increase in emergency visits due to acute respiratory conditions.
This environmental crisis has not only affected daily life in New Delhi but has also obscured iconic landmarks like the Taj Mahal and the Golden Temple in Amritsar, approximately 220 kilometers away. The Supreme Court of India recently ruled that clean air is a fundamental human right, prompting calls for immediate action from both central and state governments to address the ongoing air quality emergency.
