India’s capital, New Delhi, closed all schools for an extended period on Wednesday due to hazardous air quality levels, in an effort to protect residents from growing air pollution. The air quality index in the city was over 320, categorized as ‘hazardous’ by Swiss group IQAir, though it was not as bad as the 400 range hit earlier this week.
The Delhi government announced that schools in the capital city would remain closed from Thursday until Nov. 18, which was originally scheduled for January. The closure of primary schools had already been implemented as part of measures to shield young children from smog and air pollution.
With a population of more than 20 million, New Delhi is considered the world’s most polluted city. The city has ceased construction activities, imposed restrictions on vehicle use starting next week, and called on neighboring states to control crop residue burning.
In the states of Punjab and Haryana, farmers typically burn crop stubble left behind after rice is harvested in late October or early November to quickly clear their fields before planting wheat crops. This practice has contributed to 30% to 40% of Delhi’s October-November pollution, according to the federal government’s air-quality monitoring agency SAFAR.
The country’s top court has also ordered states surrounding New Delhi to halt farmers’ burning residue. The measures taken thus far are indicative of the severity of the situation New Delhi is facing with its air pollution crisis.
This dire situation calls for immediate and coordinated action to address the root causes of air pollution in New Delhi, including not only the burning of crop residue but also vehicular emissions and industrial pollution. The health and well-being of millions of residents depend on effective, long-term solutions to this critical issue.
It is crucial for officials at all levels to work together to implement sustainable, impactful measures to curb air pollution, which not only poses a significant threat to public health but also has far-reaching environmental and economic consequences.
The immediate closure of schools and restrictions on vehicle use are steps in the right direction, but comprehensive, sustained efforts are needed to ensure lasting improvement in air quality for the people of New Delhi.
As the situation continues to unfold, it is imperative for government leaders, environmental stakeholders, and the public to collaborate closely in addressing the multifaceted air pollution challenges facing the city, setting a foundation for a healthier, more sustainable future.
Compiled by: Shivam Patel, with additional reporting by Manoj Kumar, and writing by Shilpa Jamkhandikar; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan
