Delhi Pollution: Decision On Further Closure Of Schools On Nov 6

Delhi Pollution News: The decision on the further closure of schools in Delhi will be taken on the basis of air quality on November 6, Gopal Rai said.

Delhi's Environment Minister Gopal Rai (File Photo)

Delhi Pollution News: Amidst the escalating air pollution levels in the national capital, Delhi's Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal declared on Thursday that all schools in Delhi would remain shut for the next two days. Subsequently, on Friday, Delhi's Environment Minister, Gopal Rai said, "The decision on the further closure of schools in Delhi will be taken on the basis of air quality on November 6, Monday." This announcement came after a comprehensive review meeting chaired by Gopal Rai involving relevant government departments to address the increasing air pollution levels and ensure the rigorous enforcement of GRAP-3 (Graded Response Action Plan) measures.

The people of Delhi are facing an unrelenting challenge on Friday as the national capital and its adjacent areas grapple with air pollution of such a grave nature that the city's government has taken the step of shutting down all primary schools for a duration of two days: Friday and Saturday. This measure is in addition to the prohibition on non-essential construction activities and the restriction on the operation of BS-3 petrol and BS-4 diesel vehicles in Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Buddh Nagar.

"We are not delaying the Odd-Even scheme. The Supreme Court has given the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) the mandate to take the decision. According to their direction, we are moving our steps. If the situation turns very serious, then we will take further decisions after discussing it with everyone, " Gopal Rai said.

The Air Quality Index in Delhi has witnessed a severe deterioration in recent days. According to data released by the Central Pollution Control Board, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi and Noida has entered the 'very poor' category as of Thursday evening.

The air quality and visibility are progressively worsening in the National Capital Region, encompassing areas such as Gurugram, Noida, Greater Noida, and Ghaziabad. In specific localities within Delhi-NCR, including Anand Vihar, the airport, and RK Puram, the AQI has surged above the 400-mark, as indicated by the National Air Quality Index data provided by the Central Pollution Control Board.