In brief
Delhi's officials have announced the closure of primary schools amid intensifying smog, with air quality reaching hazardous levels that affect public health.
Delhi has ordered the immediate closure of all primary schools as hazardous levels of air pollution engulf the city, leading to significant health concerns. Chief Minister Atishi Marlena Singh shared the news via a post on X, announcing that classes would transition to an online format until further notice due to the thick smog enveloping the capital.On Thursday, air quality measurements in Delhi indicated fine particulate matter levels exceeded 50 times what is classified as safe by the World Health Organization (WHO). This annual crisis typically occurs during winter, driven by a mixture of factors including decreased temperatures, industrial emissions, crop burning, and limited wind activity.Reports from IQAir, a global air quality monitoring organization, revealed alarming statistics, with an average of 254 PM 2.5 particles per cubic meter documented on Thursday—well above the WHO’s threshold of 15 for a 24-hour period. The hazardous air quality not only poses immediate respiratory threats but can also lead to severe long-term health consequences including cardiovascular diseases and developmental issues in children.The average count of PM 10 particles peaked at 495, exceeding safe limits by more than tenfold. Neighboring regions like Gurugram, Noida, and Chandigarh are also grappling with similar pollution crises, prompting residents to complain of eye irritation and breathing difficulties.A study from The Lancet attributed 7.2% of daily deaths in Delhi to fine particulate pollution. While a reduction in pollution levels is anticipated in the surrounding days, officials caution that the air will continue to remain unsafe for the time being.In response to the pollution crisis, authorities—responsible for a population exceeding 33 million—have implemented various measures such as utilizing water sprinklers to suppress dust and suspending non-essential construction activities. Despite these efforts, critics argue that the measures taken lack effectiveness.The extent of the smog is so severe that it has been captured from space by NASA satellite imagery, illustrating the thick haze extending across northern India and spilling into Pakistan. Earlier this month, the hazardous air quality in Lahore led to the temporary closure of primary schools in that city as well.With pollution levels a consistent concern throughout South Asia, both governments and health organizations must address the increasing urgency surrounding air quality issues as more citizens face health risks each year.
