The Delhi government ordered all schools to be closed till Sunday in view of deteriorating air quality in the Capital. Deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia said on Twitter that the order will apply to all private and government schools and all classes will remain shut for the period.
The decision came a day after primary schools were closed in the Capital due to spike in pollution levels. On Wednesday morning the air quality index (AQI) — the measure of pollutants in the air — shot up to 463, compared to 448 on Tuesday.
As the deputy CM announced the decision to close all schools till Sunday, the director of education was asked to issue and order in this regard. “The air pollution has become unbearable affecting all. It has engulfed the city. The reasons for this may be varied from stubble burning in Haryana and Punjab to vehicular/construction pollution etc, but the fact remains that it is affecting the health of the citizens of Delhi,” said the order issued by the deputy chief minister.
The order stated that schools will remain closed till Sunday “to ensure the safety of children of Delhi from severe air pollution so that they remain at home”. According to the order the situation will be reviewed on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday sought a meeting with his counterparts in Punjab and Haryana to discuss measures to bring down the alarming pollution levels. “Am writing letters to CMs of Punjab and Haryana requesting them for a meeting to find solns to crop burning,” Kejriwal tweeted.
The Indian Medical Association said the capital was witnessing a “public health emergency” and has appealed to the government to stop outdoor sports and other such activities in schools to protect the health of children.
The Indian Medical Association said the capital was witnessing a “public health emergency” and has appealed to the government to stop outdoor sports and other such activities in schools to protect the health of children.