Delhi Pollution: All Schools In National Capital To Remain Closed From Tomorrow Till Further Orders

Schools in Delhi will be shut from tomorrow considering the air pollution level in the city.

Delhi schools have been shut from tomorrow

New Delhi:  After the Supreme Court pulled up the Delhi government for opening of schools while pollution in the national capital remains in 'very poor' category, Delhi's Environment Minister Gopal Rai informed that all schools in Delhi will be closed from tomorrow till further orders, due to current air pollution levels in the city.

The Delhi government had suspended physical classes in schools when the pollution level in the city reached its peak. From November 29, physical classes have resumed with many schools holding exams.

Earlier during the day, the Supreme Court asked why children were being forced to go to school when work from home had been implemented for adults.

"We are serious about industrial and vehicular pollution. You cannot fire bullets from our shoulders, you have to take steps. Why are schools open," the Supreme Court asked, reported ANI.

Senior lawyer Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for the Delhi government, responded, "On schools, there is a lot of debate on 'learning loss'. We reopened with the option for online."

The pollution levels in Delhi worsened on Thursday as air quality went into the severe category from Wednesday's 'very poor'. According to the Central Pollution Control Board’ (CPCB) website, the hourly air quality index (AQI)) of Delhi stood at 416 at 7 am on Thursday. The average 24-hour AQI of the city on Wednesday was 370.

 The slow wind speed due to the western disturbance allowed the accumulation of pollutants and thus, increased the air pollution levels, the officials said.

The city's 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) read 370. It stood at 328 on Tuesday.

Neighbouring Faridabad (384), Ghaziabad (387), Greater Noida (358), Gurugram (360) and Noida (360) also recorded a dip in the air quality with the wind speed decreasing.

An AQI between zero and 50 is considered "good", 51 and 100 "satisfactory", 101 and 200 "moderate", 201 and 300 "poor", 301 and 400 "very poor", and 401 and 500 "severe".