Delhi’s pollution level reaches ‘severe’ limit, Government closes primary schools for 2 days ReadingS

The sudden decline in Delhi’s air quality prompted the Delhi government to close primary schools for two days. Neighboring Gurugram has also taken measures against pollution.

Delhi’s pollution levels reached the “serious” mark for the first time this season at 402 at 5 pm today. Scientists have warned there could be a further increase in the next two weeks. At least 18 of the 37 monitoring stations in Delhi recorded the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the ‘severe’ category.

Areas where AQI crossed the 400 mark include Anand Vihar (450), Bawana (452), Burari Crossing (408), Dwarka Sector 8 (445), Jahangirpuri (433), Mundka (460), NSIT Dwarka (406), Najafgarh ( 414), Narela (433), Nehru Nagar (400), New Moti Bagh (423), Okhla Phase 2 (415), Patparganj (412), Punjabi Bagh (445), RK Puram (417), Rohini (454) , Shadipur (407) and Wazirpur (435).

It is considered ‘severe’ when the AQI level rises above 400. This is when air pollution can affect healthy people and have a serious impact on people with existing diseases.

Data from the Central Pollution Control Board shows that Delhi’s air quality in October was the worst since 2020. Meteorologists attributed this to the lack of rain.

“In light of rising pollution levels, all government and private primary schools in Delhi will remain closed for the next 2 days,” Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal tweeted.

A central pollution control panel has banned non-essential construction activities in the National Capital Region, which includes Gautam Budh Nagar, Ghaziabad, Faridabad and Gurugram. Diesel trucks are also banned from entering the city.

The Gurugram District Magistrate has banned burning of waste materials such as garbage, leaves, plastic and rubber under a law that makes it a punishable offence.

Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai announced Phase III of the Phased Response Action Plan. He called a meeting on Friday to discuss the implementation of the phase one. “A meeting of all relevant departments has been called on Friday at 12:00 to discuss the effective implementation of Phase III of the GRAP.”