Delhi Air Pollution: Worsening Air Quality to shut down primary schools

In view of the rising air pollution in Delhi, indefinite holidays have been declared in primary schools across the national capital. Primary schools will remain shut tomorrow onwards till the situation in the National capital improves. 

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced that primary schools will be closed from Saturday in view of a spike in pollution levels in the national capital. Speaking at a press conference, he noted that outdoor sports activities for classes above fifth standard will be suspended. We are also mulling over implementing the odd even scheme for plying of vehicles,” he said.

The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi continued to be in the severe category on Friday. Haze covered the Delhi-NCR skies further reducing the visibility in morning. The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) had recently asked the Delhi government to shut schools till the city's air quality improves.

Many schools had on Thursday ruled out a shutdown, saying it would disturb the pace of academic learning. The schools were also told to hold classes for students of class 9 to 12 online as far as possible, said the order issued by Gautam Buddh Nagar's District Inspector of Schools (DIOS) Dharmveer Singh. Outdoor activities like sports or meetings are also banned in all schools, the order further stated.