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New Delhi to suspend physical classes due to the worsening smog crisis

Posted on by Vaseline
New Delhi to suspend physical classes due to the worsening smog crisis

New Delhi on Monday (Nov 18) switched schools to online classes due to the worsening toxic smog engulfing the city.

City officials implemented the measure to tackle the escalating health crisis in the Indian capital, which is regularly ranked among the most polluted cities in the world during the winter months.

On Sunday evening, levels of PM2.5 pollutants – microscopic particles that penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream – were recorded at 57 times the World Health Organization’s (WHO) daily maximum recommended limit. The situation improved only marginally on Monday morning, with pollution levels still 39 times above the safe threshold, accompanied by dense, acrid smog blanketing the megacity.

Primary schools had already been ordered to close last week. The new directive applies to all schools, except students of classes 10 and 12, whose physical presence is considered essential for the upcoming exams.

Chief Minister Atishi, who goes by one name, declared late on Sunday: “Physical classes will be stopped for all students except classes 10 and 12.”

The measure is part of a series of restrictions aimed at reducing air pollution. Authorities also imposed a ban on diesel-powered truck movements and halted construction activities within the city limits. Residents, especially children, the elderly and those with respiratory or heart conditions, have been advised to stay indoors.

The toxic smog that plagues New Delhi during winters is mainly attributed to stubble burning in neighboring agricultural states.

Farmers burn crop residues to prepare their fields for the next sowing season, significantly contributing to the air pollution crisis. Moreover, industrial emissions and vehicular traffic worsen the already critical situation. Cooler temperatures and stagnant winds during this period trap pollutants, causing air quality to deteriorate from October to January.

An aerial photo taken on November 17 showed the city’s skyline shrouded in thick smog, a stark visual reminder of the environmental and public health challenge.

The Supreme Court of India recently emphasized the urgency of addressing the issue, declaring clean air a basic human right. Last month, the court directed both the central and state governments to take decisive steps to ease the crisis.

Despite government initiatives, millions of New Delhi residents do not have access to air purifiers or properly sealed homes, leaving them vulnerable to the hazardous air quality. The situation has led to thousands of premature deaths every year, with children and economically disadvantaged groups disproportionately affected.

With a population of over 30 million, the National Capital Region of Delhi faces recurring challenges in combating pollution during winters. Authorities hope that the school closures and associated restrictions will significantly reduce car traffic, a major source of emissions, and help improve air quality.

Experts continue to push for long-term solutions, such as the use of cleaner energy, stricter industry regulations and a shift in agricultural practices, to effectively tackle the recurring smog crisis. For now, the city is waiting to see the impact of the emergency measures as residents endure another dangerous winter.

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