Delhi Schools Likely to Close Again Due to Rising Pollution
The severe pollution in Delhi has raised concerns for schoolchildren as air quality levels in the capital and surrounding NCR areas, including Noida, Ghaziabad, and Gurugram, have crossed into the hazardous range.
Following the Diwali holidays, schools reopened on November 4, but they may soon close again due to the dangerous rise in air pollution levels, especially as Air Quality Index (AQI) readings have surpassed 400 in several areas.
AQI Reaches Hazardous Levels in Delhi-NCR
In recent weeks, Delhi has been grappling with alarmingly high pollution levels, especially in October and November when the city’s AQI consistently crosses 300 in most areas and has reached over 400 in others. Breathing in such polluted air is detrimental to health, affecting children and adults alike. Many offices have already adopted a work-from-home approach to limit exposure, and authorities are now considering a similar break, called a “pollution break,” for schools.
Monitoring and Potential School Closures
Schools were initially closed from October 30 for Diwali and reopened on November 4. However, with Chhath Puja on November 7, which the Delhi government has declared a holiday, there is speculation that schools might remain shut for an extended period. Delhi Chief Minister Atishi has issued directives for a public holiday on Chhath Puja and stated that AQI levels will be monitored closely in the coming days. If pollution persists at these dangerous levels, schools may be closed for at least a week as a preventive health measure.
This ongoing pollution crisis continues to disrupt daily life, prompting officials to consider more frequent and extended breaks to protect students’ health in the face of hazardous air quality.
