Delhi Air Pollution crisis: The air pollution in Delhi and its surroundings is at its worst. To tackle this problem, many school classes have been moved online, and all construction activities have been halted. The entire city was enveloped in a thick layer of poisonous smog on Monday morning. Visibility was greatly reduced, and as a result, flights and trains were delayed. Delhi’s air pollutant index (AQI) has been very high. The average AQI at the beginning of Monday was measured at 471 which falls under the category of “severe”. This level is more than 30 times the limit set by the World Health Organization. Such an extent of pollution can put health at a greater risk, particularly to children, the elderly, and people with heart or lung diseases. Delhi battles with the issue of air pollution regularly, especially in winter. Various sources are responsible for this such as fumes from vehicles, emissions from industries, burning of crop residues in neighboring states, low wind speed, and cold weather which hinders the dispersion of polluted air. In response to the surge in pollution, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) immediately implemented the strictest level of their pollution control plan, referred to as GRAP Level IV. As per this measure, only electric trucks are allowed to enter Delhi, and construction work is closed down completely. Schools have been told to run the classes online or in a hybrid format. Little ones have to take online classes. The Supreme Court has similarly suggested virtual attendance for lawyers and litigants in court hearings. The officials have advised people to remain indoors as much as possible and if they go outside then they must wear masks. The constantly pulled air of such pollution can lead to serious breathing issues that even healthy individuals may suffer from.
Delhi Air Pollution Crisis: Schools Online, Construction Halted
