Air pollution increases in Delhi; govt closes schools till 5 November

1 Nov 2019

Air pollution increases in Delhi; govt closes schools till 5 November

Air pollution increases in Delhi; govt closes schools till 5 NovemberWith the rising pollution levels in Delhi, the Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA) has announced a public health emergency in Delhi-NCR.

All construction activity is banned till 5 November.
 	The EPCA said today that pollution in Delhi has increased from “severe” to “severe plus” category and children are especially vulnerable. It has also advised people to no participate in outdoor activities.
 	The government of Delhi has announced that all schools in Delhi will remain closed till 5 November.
 	Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal also announced that the government will be distributing 50 lakh N95 anti-pollution masks to students of public and private schools in the city. The N95 masks cover the nose and mouth and filter up to 95% of pollutants.
 	Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) was at 459 in the morning. The higher the AQI value, the greater the level of air pollution and health concerns.
 	Neighbouring cities like Ghaziabad, Faridabad, Noida are also facing severe air pollution.

A cricket match is scheduled to be played between India and Bangladesh on Sunday in Delhi. However, the BCCI has said that it will not be cancelled despite the bad air quality.

Crop stubble burning in neighbouring Haryana and Punjab as well bursting of crackers during Diwali is believed to have contributed to the pollution.

Share your comment! Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

To post your comment Login/Signup