Schools shut as Delhi’s air quality remains ‘severe’, WFH for 50% govt staff

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, Nov 05, 2022: Delhi’s air quality remained in the ‘severe’ category for the third day in a row. On Saturday morning, the overall air quality index (AQI) in the national capital was at 431, according to SAFAR, a forecasting agency under the Union Ministry of Earth Sciences.

 

The quality of air was worse in Delhi’s satellite cities: the AQI was 529 in Noida, 478 in Gurugram , 446 in Ghaziabad, and 463 in Faridabad (Haryana).

The share of stubble burning in Delhi’s PM2.5 pollution jumped to 34 per cent on Thursday, the highest this season so far, which experts said was the reason behind the thick layer of pungent smog over the national capital.

Alarmed by abnormally high levels of air pollution in Delhi, the AAP government on Friday announced that primary schools will remain shut from Saturday. It also ordered 50 per cent of its staff to work from home, while advising private offices to follow suit.

All schools in Noida and Greater Noida are already holding classes online for students up to Class 8 till November 8 in view of the deteriorating air quality in the National Capital Region. Outdoor activities like sports or meetings have also been completely banned in all schools.

Anti-pollution curbs recommended by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), including a ban on non-BS VI diesel-run light motor vehicles, are now in force in the capital. Diesel trucks would not be allowed entry into Delhi except for those carrying essential commodities or providing essential services.

However, all CNG and electric trucks would be allowed to enter Delhi, according to an order by the Transport Department.

Violation of the Delhi government’s ban on plying of certain vehicles owing to the rise in pollution will attract a penalty of Rs 20,000, a senior official said.

Addressing a press conference on Friday, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his Punjab counterpart Bhagwant Mann owned responsibility for stubble burning in the agrarian state and promised to curb the practice by next winter.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court agreed to list for hearing on November 10 a public interest litigation seeking fresh guidelines on stubble burning.

Taking note of the hazardous air quality, the National Human Rights Commission asked the chief secretaries of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi to appear before it on November 10 to discuss the matter.

Courtesy: India Today