Schools closed as air pollution levels rise in Delhi
Residents of Delhi have been grappling with extreme air pollution for quite some time now. Most of the state has been covered in toxic fumes for six consecutive days. Considering the situation, the authorities have announced early winter vacation in Delhi’s schools.
In a statement of the Ministry of Education of Delhi on November 18, 2023, it has been informed that the hostile weather will continue for the next few days.
This decision was taken in a meeting chaired by Environment Minister Gopal Rai. State Education Minister Atishi Singh, Transport Minister Kailash Gehlot and other Delhi government officials participated in it.
Generally, winter vacation is given in December-January in Delhi schools. It was decided in the meeting that this November vacation will be coordinated with the traditional winter vacation.
On November 20, 2023, Environment Minister Gopal Rai announced the suspension of all classes except online till November 24, 2023. At that time it was decided to continue only classes of class 10th and 12th. However, as the situation did not improve, the decision came to close the school.
The Delhi government is making all-out efforts to control air pollution but is not getting any success. The AQI, an index measuring pollution levels, was 421 this morning. The same situation is going on in other parts of the state of Delhi. AQI of Noida and Gurugram are 409 and 370 respectively.
