New Delhi: Delhi education minister Atishi on Saturday said primary schools in Delhi will remain closed till November 10 as pollution levels continue to remain high in the national capital. For Class 6-12, schools are being given the option of shifting to online classes, she said.
The announcement comes even as pollution levels once again reached the “severe plus” category in the capital due to unfavourable wind conditions, particularly calm winds during the night. A toxic haze lingered over Delhi for the sixth consecutive day on Sunday as Air Quality Index (AQI) remained above 400, a sign of amsive air pollution.
According to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data, AQI at Ayanagar was 464, in Dwarka Sector-8 at 486 in Jahangirpuri and around IGI airport 480 recorded Sunday morning.
In lieu of the situation, Delhi’s Education Minister Atishi announced closure of all primary schools till November 10. “As pollution levels continue to remain high, primary schools in Delhi will stay closed till 10th November. For Grades 6-12 schools are being given the option of shifting to online classes”.
As Delhi continues to choke, Delhi’s Environment minister on Saturday said that the smog tower in Delhi’s Connaught Place has been inoperation due to orders of DPCC Chairman Ashwani Kumar.
Earlier on Novemebr 3, a thick haze continued to envelop Delhi, a day after the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) effected Stage 3 of the city’s Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) as a part of enhanced anti-pollution curbs.
The air quality worsened a day after it tipped into the severe category for the first time this season and prompted mitigation measures including a ban on the use of older vehicles.