Due to severe air pollution, schools in Delhi and its surrounding areas have been ordered to conduct classes online and in hybrid mode. At the same time, all types of construction work in the capital have been temporarily stopped.
On 15 December, Monday morning, Delhi was covered in thick toxic smog, which reduced visibility and disrupted flight and train services. According to the administration, this decision was taken mainly keeping in mind the health of children.
Hybrid Instruction in Schools
Schools in Delhi and adjoining areas have been asked to go for a hybrid education system. Online classes have been made mandatory, especially for younger students. Authorities said that this level of pollution is very dangerous for children.
Therefore, direct school attendance is being reduced for now. Parents have also been requested not to take their children outside.
Terrible Level of Pollution
According to the government’s ‘Safar’ app, the average Air Quality Index, or AQI, in Delhi on this 15 December morning was 471. This level is 30 times higher than the safe limit set by the World Health Organization.
According to Indian standards, an AQI above 400 is considered ‘severe’ or extremely dangerous. Experts say that breathing in such conditions can be a health risk.
In Delhi, the Air Quality Index, or AQI, has risen to 470-498, reaching the ‘severe’ level. In the morning, the air was about 30 times more polluted than normal.
As a result, the risk to children, the elderly and those suffering from respiratory problems has increased.
Why is Pollution increasing
Air pollution in Delhi during winter is not new. Industrial smoke, vehicle smoke, falling temperature and reduced wind speed all contribute to the pollution being trapped in the city. Added to this is the smoke from burning crop residues in neighboring states.
According to the Meteorological Department, the smog has also become thicker due to high humidity and changing wind direction.
Emergency Restrictions
Due to the worsening pollution situation, the Commission for Air Quality Management has implemented the highest level of the health crisis management system. Under this, old diesel trucks are not able to enter the city.
In addition, all construction work has been stopped. The Supreme Court of India has also suggested virtual hearings in the court. The aim of these measures is to reduce pollution and protect human health.
Public Health Alert
Health experts say that even healthy people can suffer from respiratory problems if they are exposed to this level of pollution for a long time. According to data, more than two lakh patients with acute respiratory distress were admitted to six government hospitals in Delhi between 2022 and 2024.
Children, the elderly and heart patients are at the highest risk. Therefore, an appeal has been made not to go out unnecessarily.
International Warning
Singapore, the UK and Canada have issued warnings for their citizens due to the worsening situation. Pregnant women, children and heart patients have been asked to be especially careful.
Due to pollution, flight cancellations and travel problems are also occurring. GRAP-IV restrictions have already been implemented in the Delhi-NCR region.
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