SMOG: SCHOOLS CLOSED FOR 2 DAYS IN DELHI, 6 HARYANA DISTS

Schools have been shut down in the National Capital Region (NCR) for the second time this month as air quality levels continued to deteriorate on Wednesday, shrouding the city in smog full of toxic pollutants that brought back a public health emergency.

The Haryana government has also ordered closure of all schools in Rohtak, Sonepat, Panipat, Gurugram, Faridabad and Jhajjar districts on Thursday and Friday.

The order was issued by director secondary education, Haryana on Wednesday.

The air quality index (AQI) in Delhi, according to the Central Pollution Control Board’s 4pm bulletin, was 456 on Wednesday and officials said it was likely to deteriorate even further on Thursday with some relief possible only by the day after. On Tuesday, the AQI was at 425.

“Odd-even (road rationing scheme) may be extended if necessary. I would like to appeal to the opposition not to oppose oddeven. Pollution has increased drastically. All of Delhi is demanding odd-even and at such a time the opposition parties should support people’s wish,” said Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal.

A decision of whether the oddeven curbs need to be extended will be taken on Friday, the day the drive is supposed to end.

The task force of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) met on Wednesday as AQI strayed deeper into the “severe” category, with levels of ultra-fine PM2.5 particles remaining above the danger mark of 300µg/m3 for over 24 hours (starting Tuesday 12pm).

These levels are regarded as hazardous for young people, the elderly, and those with existing bronchial conditions.