Delhi Primary Schools Shut Down on November 3-4

Due to Deteriorating Air Quality...

In light of the disturbing rise in air pollution levels in the national capital, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal of Delhi took the decision on Thursday to shut down all primary schools, both government and private, in the city for the next two days.

Online classes, on the other hand, will continue to be conducted in schools under the jurisdiction of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD). These schools will remain open for teachers and staff members.

As per the directive from the Directorate of Education in Delhi, all in-person preschool, pre-primary, and primary classes (from Nursery to Class V) will be temporarily suspended for these two days.

According to the order, teachers responsible for these classes are required to conduct their lessons through online means.

In recent days, Delhi has been facing a critical air quality situation, marked by a severe Air Quality Index (AQI). This hazardous condition is attributed to various factors, such as stubble burning in neighboring states, emissions from vehicles, and industrial pollution.

The city recorded its worst Air Quality Index (AQI) reading for the season at 402 at 5 pm. The 24-hour average AQI in the preceding days was as follows: 364 on Wednesday, 359 on Tuesday, 347 on Monday, 325 on Sunday, 304 on Saturday, and 261 on Friday.

The announcement coincided with the Commission of Air Quality Management (CAQM) in Delhi-NCR initiating Stage III measures for 'severe' air quality, as the AQI in Delhi is rapidly worsening due to unfavorable weather conditions.

Among the strict measures being taken, there is a ban on non-essential construction and demolition activities.