Delhi Schools, Colleges reopens today, the AQI remain in the "very poor" category

Delhi Education Minister Manish Sisodia on November 27 shared on social media the Education Department order for reopening schools.

New Delhi: Delhi is shrouded with a thick layer of pollution. Despite falling into the "very poor" category of Air Quality Index (AQI) of the capital, Delhi schools and colleges have opened today after two weeks of shut announcement by the Delhi Govt.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on November 13 said schools in the national capital should be closed for a week so that students do not need to breathe polluted air. Later, the government extended the deadline until further notice.

On November 24, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai said that "With an improvement in the air quality, schools, colleges and other educational institutions have been allowed to reopen."

He also added that, If we look at the average air quality index, Delhi has reached the pre-Diwali state. Pollution levels had started increasing after Diwali...following which many restrictions were imposed."

According to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR) data reported, improvement in the AQI but falls into the "very poor" category.

The citizens of Delhi are suffering from itchy throats, watery eyes and severe breathing problems.

Delhi Education Minister Manish Sisodia on November 27 shared on social media the Education Department order for reopening schools.

“...All the Govt., Govt. Aided, Unaided Recognized, NDMC, MCDs and Delhi Cantonment Board Schools will reopen from 29.11.2021 for all classes."

"All the Heads of Schools are hereby directed to disseminate this information among students, staff members, SMC members and parents," the order said.

On November 16, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) suggested different measures to control air pollution in Delhi-NCR, which included closing schools until further notice.