With hazardous air pollution enveloping Delhi and its surrounding regions, government officials have taken drastic measures by closing primary schools and transitioning to online learning. The air quality levels have reached alarming heights, with fine particulate matter measuring over 50 times the safe limit as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Delhi Closes Primary Schools Amidst Intensifying Smog Crisis
Delhi Closes Primary Schools Amidst Intensifying Smog Crisis
Authorities in Delhi shut down all primary schools due to escalating air pollution levels, shifting classes online as smog engulfs the capital.
As the winter months draw near, Delhi and neighboring regions are once again grappling with severe smog conditions induced by a mix of environmental factors, including reduced temperatures, vehicle emissions, crop stubble burning, and fluctuating wind patterns. On Thursday, IQAir reported that the level of PM 2.5 particles in the air averaged 254 micrograms per cubic meter, drastically exceeding the WHO's recommended maximum of 15 micrograms for a 24-hour period. This high concentration of fine particulate matter poses significant health risks, particularly respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, and can adversely impact the development of children.
In addition to Delhi, cities like Gurugram, Noida, and Chandigarh have also reported hazardous air quality, which has led to eye irritation and breathing difficulties for many residents. The Lancet recently published research indicating that 7.2% of daily deaths in Delhi can be linked to fine particulate pollution, emphasizing the dire public health implications of this crisis.
Although local authorities have implemented several interventions—including spraying water on roads and banning non-essential construction—critics remain unconvinced about their effectiveness in combating the persistent air quality issues. Meanwhile, NASA's satellite imagery has revealed the extensive reach of this pollution, which stretches across northern India and even into Pakistan, where Lahore has also had to temporarily close its primary schools due to similar air quality concerns.
While forecasts suggest some improvement in air pollution levels in the days ahead, it is anticipated that conditions will still be classified as unhealthy, prompting ongoing vigilance from residents and officials alike.
In addition to Delhi, cities like Gurugram, Noida, and Chandigarh have also reported hazardous air quality, which has led to eye irritation and breathing difficulties for many residents. The Lancet recently published research indicating that 7.2% of daily deaths in Delhi can be linked to fine particulate pollution, emphasizing the dire public health implications of this crisis.
Although local authorities have implemented several interventions—including spraying water on roads and banning non-essential construction—critics remain unconvinced about their effectiveness in combating the persistent air quality issues. Meanwhile, NASA's satellite imagery has revealed the extensive reach of this pollution, which stretches across northern India and even into Pakistan, where Lahore has also had to temporarily close its primary schools due to similar air quality concerns.
While forecasts suggest some improvement in air pollution levels in the days ahead, it is anticipated that conditions will still be classified as unhealthy, prompting ongoing vigilance from residents and officials alike.
