Why Are Delhi Primary Classes Being Shut? Rising Air Pollution Cause Concern

As air pollution remains a serious cause of concern across the country, the capital's struggle against it continues to soar without relief. In a recent announcement, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal declared that primary schools in the capital will be closed starting tomorrow.

The Chief Minister declared that Delhi is currently facing severe air pollution and it only becomes essential to shut primary classes to safeguard children. He further stated that they are currently contemplating the odd-even scheme shortly.

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Delhi Primary Schools Closed From Tomorrow

The capital's air quality index remains in a severe category consecutively and this has generated an alarming cause of concern for the vast population residing in the city, especially children. On Friday, Kejriwal declared that primary schools in the city will remain closed from tomorrow so that children are limited to the exposure of pollution.

The data released by the System of Air Quality And Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR) reveals that Delhi remains in the severe category for the second day now. The official data disclosed that the stubble burning in Punjab also contributed (approximately 34 per cent) to the already high air pollution of 2.5 in Delhi.

The Delhi CM was addressing a press conference alongside Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann when he made the announcement. He declared that while primary schools and classes will remain closed starting Saturday, all outdoor activities for classes V to VIII will be restricted. These instructions are to be followed across schools in the city until further announcement. "Primary schools will be closed from Saturday in the city and we are contemplating the odd-even scheme. We are also closing all outdoor sports activities for students of V-VIII classes in schools until air quality improves," he said in a statement.

CM Kejriwal further added that instead of laying focus on the blame game and politics, it's important to sort out the issue of rising pollution so the children and the population at large don't suffer in the long run.

On Thursday, schools in Noida were closed owing after the AQI touched 500 in the NCR. The schools here will remain shut till November 8. Reportedly, hundreds of people, including children, have been complaining of cough and burning sensation in the eyes in the last few days as there seems to be no containment of the rise in population in NCR.