Due to escalating air pollution and thick smog in the Indian capital city of New Delhi, all primary and elementary schools have been temporarily closed.
This closure will extend through Friday and Saturday, and most construction activities in the region have also been halted in an effort to combat the pollution.
During winter months, New Delhi routinely experiences a heavy shroud of smog, primarily due to vehicle emissions, construction dust, and extensive burning of crop residues. This smog leads to respiratory issues, eye infections, and other health problems for the city’s 20 million residents.
Reports from international media indicate that the Air Quality Index (AQI) reached approximately 480 in certain monitoring stations within the city.
The New Delhi Commission for Air Quality Management stated that unfavorable weather conditions, a sudden rise in agricultural fires, and north-westerly winds carrying pollutants into Delhi are the main factors contributing to the abrupt spike in AQI.
