The Delhi government has decided to extend the closure of all primary schools up to class 5 until November 10 due to the increasing levels of air pollution in the city. However, schools for classes 6-12 have the option to continue with online classes if they choose to do so.
Initially, the closure of primary schools was announced until November 5, but the deteriorating air quality has led to an extension of the closure. Delhi Education Minister Atishi stated, “As pollution levels continue to remain high, primary schools in Delhi will stay closed till 10th November. For Grade 6-12, schools are being given the option of shifting to online classes.”
Delhi’s air quality has remained severely polluted for the past six days, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 460. The toxic smog has raised concerns among doctors regarding respiratory and eye ailments, especially among children and the elderly.
The levels of microscopic PM2.5 particles, which can cause health problems when inhaled, have reached seven to eight times the government’s safe limit of 60 micrograms per cubic meter in various locations across Delhi-NCR. This is 80 to 100 times higher than the WHO’s safe limit of 5 micrograms per cubic meter.
The decline in air quality in Delhi-NCR is attributed to falling temperatures, stagnant winds that prevent pollution dispersion, and an increase in paddy stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana after the harvest.
According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi’s AQI rose by more than 200 points between October 27 and November 3, reaching the “severe plus” category (above 450) on Friday. Although there was a slight improvement on Saturday with an AQI of 413, the 24-hour average AQI of 468 on Friday was the worst since November 12, 2021.
Delhi’s air quality is among the worst in the world, with a University of Chicago report indicating that air pollution reduces life expectancy by almost 12 years.
The Delhi government’s decision to extend the closure of primary schools and offer online classes for higher grades reflects the urgent need to address the severe air pollution problem in the city.
