Delhi Air Pollution: Schools closed due to drastic change in air quality

Delhi Air Pollution: Schools closed due to drastic change in air quality

On Friday, Delhi was covered in a thick haze with an air quality index (AQI) of 471, falling into the 'severe plus' category. Authorities have scheduled an emergency meeting at 12 p.m. today to talk about what to do next because the situation is getting worse.

The authorities have taken action due to the declining air quality, with the air quality index (AQI) nearing 500 in many areas. The Delhi government announced that all government and private primary schools would be shut for two days starting from Thursday.

An air quality list (AQI) somewhere in the range of nothing and 50 is considered 'great'. 51 to 100 is 'acceptable', 101 to 200 is 'moderate', 201 to 300 is 'poor', 'exceptionally poor' is 301 to 400, and 'extreme' is 401 to 500.

The air quality in areas like Lodhi Road, Jahangirpuri, RK Puram, and IGI Airport (T3) in Delhi is still very bad, with AQI readings of 438, 491, 486, and 473, respectively. To help, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) is spraying water in the Lodhi Road area to try to make the air better.

In Noida, Uttar Pradesh, the air quality index (AQI) in Sector 62, Sector 1, and Sector 116 has entered the 'severe' category.

Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai stated that the issue is not limited to Delhi alone but extends across northern India. He called for collaboration among all governments. Rai also urged Delhi's residents to opt for public transport such as the metro and buses to help reduce vehicle-related pollution.

The choice to extend school closures in Delhi will rely on the air quality on November 6 (Monday). Urging the Union environment minister to take immediate action, he emphasized that the problem of air pollution has affected the entire northern region of India.

Dr. Nikhil Modi from Apollo Hospital mentioned that pollution is rising again during this time of year. He noted an increase in patients with respiratory issues, experiencing symptoms like coughs, colds, irritated eyes, and breathing difficulties. Stressing that people of all ages are impacted, he advised wearing masks and going out only when necessary.

On Wednesday, the Delhi government declared a five-day prohibition on construction activities in regions where the air quality index (AQI) surpasses 400.

To tackle vehicle emissions, the government has initiated the "Red Light On Gaadi Off" initiative and plans to enlist 1,000 private CNG buses to strengthen public transport.

With ongoing farm fires and unfavorable weather, scientists are worried about a significant increase in pollution levels in the Delhi-NCR area in the coming two weeks. Medical experts are concerned that the rising pollution could aggravate asthma and lung issues, especially in children and the elderly.

#WATCH | Latest ANI drone camera footage from Signature Bridge in Delhi shows the city shrouded in a thick blanket of haze.

The air quality in Delhi is in 'Severe' category today as per CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board). pic.twitter.com/cSWsP3QGRy

— ANI (@ANI) November 3, 2023