Delhi Air Quality Continues to Worsen; Schools & Colleges Likely to Be Closed

Data from the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) showed that the Air Quality Index (AQI) on Friday remained in the "severe" category, with air quality in the National Capital Region dipping into hazardous levels.

The results showed that the quality drastically declined as a result of a strong upper-level (700–1000 m) wind blowing from stubble-burning areas toward Delhi.

The Gautam Buddh Nagar District Magistrate has mandated that all classes from first to eighth grade be held online till November 8. Dr. Dharamveer Singh, the district school inspector said that classes 9 to 12 should also consider going online. All outside school activities are currently prohibited until further notice.

A central panel ordered authorities to ban the use of four-wheeled diesel light motor cars and other 4-wheelers that are not BS-VI compliant in Delhi and surrounding NCR districts as well as the entry of trucks into the capital, with the exception of those carrying essential goods or those operating on CNG and electricity, on Thursday because Delhi's air quality index (AQI) was one notch short of falling into the "severe plus" category.

Except for those transporting necessities, commercial diesel vehicles (medium and heavy goods vehicles) would not be permitted to operate in Delhi. With a 24-hour average AQI of 426 at 9 am on Thursday morning, Delhi's air quality once more declined and entered the "severe" category.

Delhi Government Likely to Close Schools, Colleges

Due to the poor air quality, the Delhi government has mandated specific measures for GRAP 4. Given that the AQI level has risen significantly and is producing air pollution, it is possible that the government would request that schools and colleges be closed.

Additional emergency measures, such as closing schools, universities, and other educational institutions, halting non-emergency commercial activity, and operating vehicles on an odd-even schedule, may be considered by state governments.

Schools in Noida go online as pollution increases

Classes 1 through 8 in Gautam Buddh Nagar district will be conducted online until November 8 due to the rising air pollution in the Delhi NCR, and classes 9 to 12 as well as higher education institutions have been asked to operate online whenever possible, according to a notification from the Gautam Buddha Nagar DM Suhas Lalinakere Yathiraj on Thursday.

The press release said that until further notice, outdoor activities at schools are also prohibited.