Delhi shuts schools for a week as air quality worsens

AUTHORITIES have decided to close schools in New Delhi for a week and construction sites in the national capital for four days. Arvind Kejriwal, the chief minister of Delhi, on Sunday (14) said this while the city continues to protect its residents from a worsening air-pollution crisis.

Kejriwal also said that talks on a potential complete lockdown in the national capital were also underway but the final decision would be taken only after consultation with the Narendra Modi government at the Centre.

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“For a week from Monday onwards, schools will be physically closed but will continue virtually so that children don’t have to breathe polluted air ... construction activities not to be allowed,” Reuters quoted Kejriwal, who leads the Aam Aadmi Party (common man’s party), as saying.

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Earlier in the day, India’s Chief Justice NV Ramana asked the Modi government to come up with an emergency plan to combat the pollution issue, calling the situation “very serious”.

Air quality in Delhi, often ranked as the world’s most polluted capital, has plummeted to pose a major challenge to public health in the city. Factors like burning of crop stubble, emissions caused by vehicles, coal-fired plants outside the city and other industry and unrestricted bursting of firecrackers on festivals such as Diwali have contributed to the national capital’s deteriorating air quality.

The Air Quality Index in and around Delhi has worsened to 470-499 on a scale of 500, according to India’s federal pollution control board, data, showing how serious the situation is.

Kejriwal said all government offices would shift to work from home while private offices would be advised to follow a similar model for a week to reduce the number of vehicles on the road to curb pollution.

“We have been forced to wear masks at home also, the situation is very serious,” chief justice Ramana said.

The apex court heard a plea filed by a student over the worsening air quality in the Indian capital.

The chief justice said the government should consider a two-day lockdown to protect citizens and inform the top court on Monday (15) about emergency steps to improve air quality.