In light of worsening air quality, officials in Delhi have announced the closure of all primary schools, shifting classes to an online format until further notice. Chief Minister Atishi Marlena Singh revealed via a post on X that the capital is engulfed by a thick smog that has triggered alarming pollution levels deemed hazardous for public health. Reports indicate that fine particulate matter concentrations exceeded safe limits set by the World Health Organization (WHO) by more than 50 times.
Delhi Closes Primary Schools Amid Intensifying Smog Crisis
Delhi Closes Primary Schools Amid Intensifying Smog Crisis
As Delhi grapples with hazardous air pollution levels, primary schools will shift to online classes indefinitely.
Delhi's air pollution crisis is an annual occurrence during winter months, resulting from a combination of factors including declining temperatures, vehicular emissions, dust, smoke, and stubble burning practices from nearby agricultural areas. As per data from IQAir, the air quality index (AQI) on Thursday indicated an alarming average of 254 PM 2.5 particles per cubic meter. The WHO guideline for safe exposure is a maximum of 15 PM 2.5 particles over a 24-hour period, highlighting the severity of the situation which can lead to both respiratory and cardiovascular issues.
Larger particulate matter (PM 10) levels also hit dangerous averages of 495, significantly surpassing the recommended daily safe amounts. Surrounding cities like Gurugram and Noida, along with Chandigarh in northern India, have also reported hazardous air quality. Residents have increasingly complained of eye irritations and respiratory difficulties. A July study in The Lancet attributed 7.2% of daily mortality in Delhi to fine particulate pollution, emphasizing the health risks exacerbated by such poor air quality.
While authorities have implemented some countermeasures—including water spraying on roads to suppress dust, banning non-essential construction, and prohibiting coal burning—critics contend these steps lack sufficient efficacy. NASA has released satellite images illustrating the extensive smog, which is vast enough to be viewed from space, stretching across northern India into Pakistan. Earlier this month, similar pollution issues led to the temporary closure of primary schools in Lahore, Pakistan.
Although predictions suggest a potential decrease in air pollution levels in the coming days, experts warn that the air quality will still remain unhealthy. As millions in Delhi prepare to adjust to online learning, public health remains at the forefront of concerns amid this ongoing smog emergency.
Larger particulate matter (PM 10) levels also hit dangerous averages of 495, significantly surpassing the recommended daily safe amounts. Surrounding cities like Gurugram and Noida, along with Chandigarh in northern India, have also reported hazardous air quality. Residents have increasingly complained of eye irritations and respiratory difficulties. A July study in The Lancet attributed 7.2% of daily mortality in Delhi to fine particulate pollution, emphasizing the health risks exacerbated by such poor air quality.
While authorities have implemented some countermeasures—including water spraying on roads to suppress dust, banning non-essential construction, and prohibiting coal burning—critics contend these steps lack sufficient efficacy. NASA has released satellite images illustrating the extensive smog, which is vast enough to be viewed from space, stretching across northern India into Pakistan. Earlier this month, similar pollution issues led to the temporary closure of primary schools in Lahore, Pakistan.
Although predictions suggest a potential decrease in air pollution levels in the coming days, experts warn that the air quality will still remain unhealthy. As millions in Delhi prepare to adjust to online learning, public health remains at the forefront of concerns amid this ongoing smog emergency.
