Delhi air pollution: Primary schools to remain closed from tomorrow
Authorities in Delhi today (November 4, 2022) ordered the closure of all primary schools from tomorrow and asked half of the city government's staff to work from home in view of a sharp deterioration in air pollution in India's national capital level.
A thick smog blanketed Delhi today as the city's air quality remained in the "severe" zone for the second consecutive day, primarily due to unfavourable meteorological conditions and raging farm fires in neighbouring Punjab state, reports our New Delhi correspondent.
The overall air quality index (AQI) stood at 445 at 2 pm local time today.
An AQI of above 400 is considered "severe" which can affect healthy people and seriously impact those with existing illnesses.
Speaking at a press conference, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said outdoor sports activities for classes above fifth standard have been suspended as the city continued to reel under the eye-stinging pollution with air quality recorded in the "severe" category today (November 4, 2022).
"Primary classes will be closed from tomorrow and outdoor activities for classes above fifth standard will be suspended. We are also mulling over implementing curbs on plying of vehicles," he said.
In the wake of severe pollution in Delhi, many schools have taken several measures to protect children, including suspension of outdoor activities and introduction of breathing exercises in classes.
Alarmed by the hazardous pollution levels, Delhi's Environment Minister Gopal Rai ordered 50 percent staff of Delhi government to work from home and said an advisory will be issued to private offices to do the same.
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