Delhi Air Pollution Reaches 'Severe Plus' Levels: Schools and Colleges Shift to Online Classes

Delhi, November 19, 2024: Air quality in Delhi and its neighboring areas has reached alarming levels, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) touching 500, categorized as “severe plus.” This marks the seventh consecutive day of hazardous air quality in the National Capital Region (NCR), including Noida, Ghaziabad, and Gurugram. Dense smog has enveloped the region, prompting the Delhi government to declare the situation a “medical emergency.”

In response to the worsening air quality, the Delhi government has announced that in-person classes for Classes 10 and 12 will be suspended, with all education shifted online. Delhi University (DU) and Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) also joined the move, shifting all classes online until November 23 and November 22, respectively. The universities confirmed that exam schedules will remain unaffected.

Several areas in Delhi, including Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Dwarka, Munka, and RK Puram, recorded AQI levels at or above 500 at 5 a.m. on Tuesday, further stressing public health concerns. The Delhi government attributes the poor air quality to a combination of weather conditions and stubble burning in neighboring states.

The Union Health Ministry has issued an advisory to states and union territories, urging them to strengthen health systems and raise awareness about air pollution's impact, especially for vulnerable groups. The advisory also calls for the expansion of sentinel hospitals to monitor air pollution-related illnesses.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has directed all Delhi-NCR states to implement and enforce the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to curb pollution. The court also reprimanded the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) for delays in action. The air pollution situation remains critical, and officials are urging the public to take precautionary measures to protect their health.