Delhi-NCR air pollution, November 10: AQI close to 'severe', schools may switch to hybrid classes as air quality deteriorates

Delhi began the week under a thick layer of smog on Monday, as air quality levels at most monitoring sites slipped into the ‘severe’ range, data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) revealed. By 7 am, the city’s overall air quality remained in the ‘very poor’ category, with the Air Quality Early Warning System (EWS) recording an AQI of 372.

At the same time, Bawana registered the highest pollution levels in the city with an AQI of 412, the only location to cross the 400 mark early in the day. Close behind were Wazirpur and Jahangirpuri, recording AQI levels of 397 and 394, respectively.

Schools may switch to hybrid classes

To protect students’ health, playground activities, physical education lessons, and morning assemblies have all been moved inside. Additionally, a lot of schools have air purifiers in their auditoriums and classrooms.

To protect children, authorities have directed both public and private schools to adhere closely to the Winter Action Plan. Preventive measures, including limiting exposure, making sure indoor spaces are clean, and keeping an eye on air quality levels during the school day, are all outlined in the plan.

Parents' associations have called on the Delhi government to switch to online education right away because air pollution is getting worse. They argue that because of the declining air quality, kids are becoming sicker and unable to physically attend school.

Given the current circumstances, there is growing speculation that the government may soon declare that educational institutions will close or temporarily switch to online classes.

 For more information, parents and students are advised to keep in contact with their respective schools.

AQI close to 'severe'

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Anand Vihar reported an AQI of 379, Alipur 360, Ashok Vihar 367, Bawana 412, Burari Crossing 389, Chandni Chowk 360, Dwarka Sector-8 356, ITO 367, Jahangirpuri 389, Mundka 378, Narela 368, Okhla Phase 2 348, Patparganj 376, Punjabi Bagh 324, RK Puram 363, Rohini 390 and Sonia Vihar 369.

Speaking to ANI, a resident, Rahul, said the city's pollution is very high, causing breathing difficulties and eye irritation.

"Pollution is really high. This is not fog, this is pollution. We are facing breathing difficulties and eye irritation. Government must take steps. Crackers were burst, smoke emanating from stubble burning also comes to Delhi," Rahul said.

A day earlier, the air quality in the national capital plunged into the 'very bad' category, with the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 391 at 7 am, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

According to CPCB, an AQI between 0 and 50 is considered 'good', 51-100 'satisfactory', 101-200 'moderate', 201-300 'poor', 301-400 'very poor', and 401-500 'severe'.

Meanwhile, Delhi Police detained people protesting at India Gate, demanding that the government formulate policies to curb air pollution in the National Capital region.

New Delhi district DCP Devesh Kumar Mahla said, "India Gate is not a protest site. The designated protest site in New Delhi is Jantar Mantar, as per the Supreme Court's directions. That is why we have advised everyone to follow the guidelines. At India Gate, people come along with their families to enjoy, and it is a national monument. There are VIP routes here; we are deployed here regularly." 

(With inputs from ANI)