- Dehli shuts primary schools as air pollution reaches hazardous levels
- Air quality levels far exceed safety standards
- Fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) in the air was reported at over 50 times the safe limit
Dehli shuts primary schools as air pollution reaches hazardous levels
Delhi’s government has announced the closure of all primary schools due to worsening air pollution. Classes will move online until further notice, according to Chief Minister Atishi Marlena Singh.
The city is blanketed in thick smog, with pollution levels far exceeding what is considered safe by the World Health Organization (WHO). On Thursday, fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) in the air was reported at over 50 times the safe limit, posing severe health risks.
Winter smog in Delhi is an annual issue, fueled by vehicle emissions, crop stubble burning, and stagnant weather conditions. Reports from IQAir reveal PM 10 levels in Delhi are over 10 times the safe threshold while neighbouring cities like Gurugram and Noida are also experiencing hazardous pollution.
Authorities have implemented measures like banning non-essential construction and spraying roads with dust suppressants, but critics say these steps fall short. Health experts warn that prolonged exposure to polluted air can cause serious respiratory and cardiovascular problems, particularly for children.