Delhi air pollution: Govt orders closure of all schools till Sunday

Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia said a review of the situation would be conducted on Sunday.

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 classes and all private and government schools will remain shut for the period”.

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.(Burhaan Kinu / HT Photo)

The decision came a day after primary schools were closed in the Capital due to a 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.

The director of education was asked to issue an order in this regard.

An order by the deputy chief minister said the situation will be reviewed on Sunday.

“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.

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.