NEW DELHI, NOV 18 – India’s capital, New Delhi, ordered online learning for schools starting today until further notice due to worsening toxic smog.
The level of PM2.5 pollution meaning the presence of dangerous microparticles that can cause cancer entering the bloodstream through the lungs was recorded at 57 times the daily maximum recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) yesterday evening.
Readings were around 39 times above the warning limit early this morning with dense, thick gray smoke enveloping the city.
The city is shrouded in thick fog every year, mainly due to the burning of straw by farmers in neighboring areas to clear their fields for ploughing, accompanied by factory smoke and traffic.
The restrictions were made by city authorities “in an effort to prevent further deterioration” of air quality.
The authorities also hope that with childcare at home, traffic will also be significantly reduced.
“Physical classes will be stopped for all students, apart from Class 10 and 12,” said Chief Minister Atishi, in a statement late yesterday.
Primary schools had already been ordered to stop face-to-face classes last Thursday with restrictions extended today, including limiting diesel-powered trucks and construction.
The government urged children and the elderly, as well as those with lung or heart problems “to stay indoors as long as possible”.
Many urban dwellers cannot afford air filters and do not have homes that can effectively protect against the misery of foul air resulting in thousands of premature deaths.
India’s Supreme Court last month ruled that clean air is a basic human right and ordered both the central government and state authorities to take action. – AFP
