In brief
As Delhi grapples with toxic smog levels deemed dangerous to health, primary schools in the city will transition to online classes until further notice, according to an announcement from Chief Minister Atishi Marlena Singh.
In light of severe air pollution conditions, all primary schools in Delhi will cease in-person classes, officials confirmed. The city's chief minister shared this update on social media platform X, indicating that students would engage in online learning until the hazardous smog situation improves.Current pollution statistics reveal that Delhi and surrounding areas are experiencing alarming levels of air contaminants. On Thursday, fine particulate matter was recorded at more than 50 times the World Health Organization's (WHO) recommended safe limit. Air quality monitoring by IQAir reported an average of 254 PM2.5 particles per cubic meter, significantly eclipsing the WHO's threshold of 15.The winter months typically bring smog to Delhi and the neighboring regions, influenced by a combination of factors including falling temperatures, vehicular emissions, crop stubble burning, and stagnant air. The levels of larger PM10 particles reached an average of 495, vastly exceeding the safe limit prescribed by health organizations.Residents have reported adverse health effects, such as eye irritation and breathing difficulties. A recent study published by The Lancet indicated that fine particulate pollution could be responsible for approximately 7.2% of daily mortality in the capital.While authorities expect a gradual decrease in air pollution over the coming days, conditions are likely to remain unhealthy. The Delhi government has implemented several measures to counter the air quality crisis, including dust suppression on roads and a ban on non-essential construction activities. Nonetheless, many residents and critics have criticized these actions as insufficient.The smog has reached visibility levels that can be monitored from space; NASA's recent satellite imagery highlighted the widespread impact extending across northern India into Pakistan. Earlier this month, severe air quality conditions in Lahore led to the temporary closure of primary schools there as well.As the situation continues to evolve, local authorities and health officials are keeping a close watch on air quality indices and their implications for public health in the region.
