Delhi schools shut: Primary schools in capital closed for 2 days due to severe pollution levels — AQI levels breached 400-mark in these areas

Delhi Pollution News: In light of the rising pollution levels, the Aam Aadmi Party government in Delhi has declared that all government and private primary schools in Delhi will remain closed on Friday and Saturday (November 3 and 4). The decision to keep government and private primary schools in Delhi shut due to the rising pollution levels in the national capital region (NCR) was announced by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday night.

In a post on 'X', the chief minister said, "In light of the rising pollution levels, all govt and private primary schools in Delhi will remain closed for the next 2 days." 

In light of the rising pollution levels, all govt and private primary schools in Delhi will remain closed for the next 2 days

— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) November 2, 2023

Pollution levels in the national capital entered the "severe" zone for the first time this season on Thursday, with scientists warning of a further spike over the next two weeks. 

Delhi Schools Closed: MCD Schools to remain shut

In a separate communication, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) said physical classes in its schools will remain closed for the next two days. "In pursuance to order of Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas, it is decided that classes will be held through online mode in all MCD and MCD-aided schools on November 3 and 4. However, schools will remain open for teachers and staff," the civic body stated.

Delhi Pollution News: Areas where AQI breached the 400-mark on Thursday 

At least 18 out of 37 monitoring stations in Delhi recorded Air Quality Index (AQI) in the “severe” category —

• Anand Vihar - 450, 
• Bawana - 452, 
• Burari Crossing - 408, 
• Dwarka Sector 8 - 445, 
• Jahangirpuri - 433, 
• Mundka - 460, 
• NSIT Dwarka - 406, 
• Najafgarh - 414, 
• Narela - 433, 
• Nehru Nagar - 400, 
• New Moti Bagh - 423, 
• Okhla Phase 2 - 415,
• Patparganj - 412, 
• Punjabi Bagh - 445, 
• R K Puram - 417,
• Rohini - 454, 
• Shadipur - 407,
• Wazirpur - 435

Delhi pollution: All preschool, pre-primary and primary classes (Nursery to Class V) in physical form are ordered to be discontinued on Nov 3 and 4: Directorate of Education, Delhi pic.twitter.com/hbZgBjGVxn

— ANI (@ANI) November 2, 2023

Delhi Pollution News: Air Quality Index (AQI) levels and readings

An AQI between zero and 50 is considered “good”, 51 and 100 “satisfactory”, 101 and 200 “moderate”, 201 and 300 “poor”, 301 and 400 “very poor”, and 401 and 500 “severe”.

Delhi Pollution News: GRAP-III kicks in, ban imposed on construction activities

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has invoked the third stage of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) on Thursday. According to an official release by the CAQM, the Delhi government has imposed a ban on construction activities in the entire National Capital Region (NCR). However, exemptions have been made for the projects for the railway services, metro services, airports, inter-state bus terminals, defence-related activities, healthcare-related activities, etc, the release read further.

The government will also intensify the frequency of mechanised sweeping of roads and ensure daily water-sprinkling along with dust suppressants, added the official statement. Activities including earthwork for excavation and filling including boring and drilling works will be banned.

As per the official release, a ban has been imposed on the following activities, which include --

1. Demolition works

2. Loading and unloading of construction materials anywhere within or outside the project sites

3. Transfer of raw materials either manually or through conveyor belts, including fly ash

4. Movement of vehicles on unpaved roads.

5. Operation of batching plant 6. Laying of sewer line, waterline, drainage work and electric cabling by open trench system

7. cutting and fixing of tiles, stones and other flooring materials

8. Waterproofing work 9. Painting, polishing and varnishing works, etc; and,

10. Road construction/ repair works including paving of sidewalks/pathways and central verges etc.