Delhi Air Quality Crisis: Schools Go Online as AQI Hits Severe Levels
- Delhi's Chief Minister, Atishi, announced the closure of all schools in the city due to severe air pollution.
- At 9 am, 32 out of 39 monitoring stations reported AQI levels above 400, with Anand Vihar and IGI Airport being particularly impacted.
- In a message posted on X, Atishi stated: "Due to rising pollution levels, all primary schools in Delhi will be shifting to online classes until further directions."
Delhi Pollution Update
Delhi’s Chief Minister, Atishi, announced the closure of all schools in the city due to severe air pollution. Classes will now be held virtually. The Air Quality Index (AQI) hit 428 on Thursday morning, marking the worst air quality of the season and placing it in the ‘severe’ category.
At 9 am, 32 out of 39 monitoring stations reported AQI levels above 400, with Anand Vihar and IGI Airport being particularly impacted. Officials warn of significant health risks to residents.
In a message posted on X, Atishi stated: “Due to rising pollution levels, all primary schools in Delhi will be shifting to online classes until further directions.”
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has activated the third phase of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-III). This means stopping non-essential construction activities and restricting inter-state buses and trucks from operating in Delhi.
GRAP-III Restrictions Include:
- Construction and Demolition: Non-essential activities are prohibited. This includes road construction, drilling, sewer line work, and movement of heavy vehicles on unpaved roads.
- Vehicle Restrictions: BS-III petrol vehicles and BS-IV diesel vehicles cannot operate in Delhi and surrounding areas (Gurugram, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, Gautam Budh Nagar).
- Inter-State Buses: Only electric vehicles, CNG vehicles, and BS-VI diesel buses may enter Delhi.
These measures aim to improve air quality and protect public health in the national capital.