Delhi Schools to Remain Closed till November 10 as AQI Becomes 'Severe Plus' Again

Due to worsening air pollution in the national capital, Delhi Education Minister Atishi said on Sunday that elementary schools will remain closed till November 10, while institutions in grades 6 through 12 can decide to hold online lessons. On Sunday, a toxic cloud persisted over Delhi for the sixth straight day, as pollution levels rose to the severe plus category due to adverse wind conditions, particularly calm winds at night.

The decision has been taken as a part of the safety measures to limit the spread of the global pandemic. With this extension in closure, the schools are focusing on ensuring that students continue with their learning process via remote learning tools.

On the other hand, schools in Noida have decided to stick with online classes for the time being, even as the central and the state government guidelines now permit them to offer classes in-person. The management of various institutes has decided to choose caution over haste and continue with virtual instruction to keep the students and the staff safe during these uncertain times.

All emergency measures, including a restriction on polluting trucks, commercial four-wheelers, and all sorts of construction, are mandated to be launched and enforced in the National Capital Region if the AQI exceeds 450, according to the Centre's air pollution management plan. According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board, Delhi's air quality index climbed by more than 200 points between October 27 and November 3, eventually falling into the severe plus' category (above 450) on Friday.

At many areas throughout Delhi-NCR, the concentration of PM2.5, a fine particulate matter capable of penetrating deep into the respiratory system and causing health problems, exceeded the government-recommended safe limit of 60 micrograms per cubic metre by seven to eight times. It was 80 to 100 times the WHO's recommended level of 5 micrograms per cubic metre.