Schools Reopen In Delhi As Air Quality Remains 'Very Poor' Amid Eased Curbs

Schools reopened in Delhi after the winter break amid eased curbs as the air quality hovered in the 'very poor' category.

Schools reopened in Delhi after the winter break amid eased curbs as the air quality hovered in the 'very poor' category.

Source : X/@ANI

Schools in the national capital reopened on Monday after an early winter break as the curbs imposed to counter air pollution in the national capital were eased with the air quality remaining ver poor. The Air Quality Index of Delhi remained in the 'Very Poor' category on Monday morning, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). 

But outdoor sports activities and morning assembly will be suspended for another week in view of the pollution, a circular by the Directorate of Education said. It added, "This is in continuation of order issued on 18/11/2023 vide which winter break w.e.f 9/11/2023 to 18/11/2023 was declared due to Severe plus (AQI>450) air quality prevailing in Delhi at that time."

The decision to close physical classes in Delhi and the announcement of an early winter break came in the wake of rishing pollution level in the capital which crippled daily life.

#WATCH | Delhi: Visuals of students reaching their school in the Geeta Colony area as schools reopen today after the early winter break in schools from 9th to 18th November amid severe air pollution in the national capital pic.twitter.com/MtLDjZB8xZ

— ANI (@ANI) November 20, 2023

 A yellow blanket continues to cover Delhi's skyline though. 

#WATCH | Delhi: The Air Quality Index (AQI) remains in the 'Very Poor' category in the national capital as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

(Visuals from Anand Vihar, shot at 8.10 am) pic.twitter.com/EcaYjdaztt

— ANI (@ANI) November 20, 2023

The Centre eased stringent curbs including a ban on construction work and entry of polluting trucks into Delhi on Saturday. This development came after an increase in the wind speed and a change in the wind direction resulted in a slight improvement in the air quality. 

The Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) earlier decided to revoke the restrictions that are prescribed under Stage-IV of the Centre's Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR. Under these restrictions, only CNG, electric and BS VI-compliant vehicles from other states were allowed to enter Delhi, with exemptions granted to those involved in essential services.