Delhi's air quality has reached hazardous levels, prompting school closures and evoking health concerns amidst worsening pollution.
Delhi Shutters Primary Schools Amid Intensifying Smog Crisis
Delhi Shutters Primary Schools Amid Intensifying Smog Crisis
Rising pollution levels have compelled Delhi officials to shift to online classes for all primary schools as an urgent health measure.
In response to an alarming deterioration in air quality, the Delhi government has announced the closure of all primary schools, moving classes to an online format indefinitely. Chief Minister Atishi Marlena Singh confirmed this move in a post on X, as thick smog continues to envelop the Indian capital and neighboring zones.
Pollution levels in the area are shockingly high, with fine particulate matter exceeding safe limits set by the World Health Organization. On Thursday, concentrations of PM 2.5 reached over 50 times the WHO's recommended safety threshold, primarily due to the seasonal amalgamation of poor weather, vehicle emissions, and agricultural burning practices.
Reports from IQAir, an air quality monitoring body, indicated that Delhi's PM 2.5 levels averaged 254 micrograms per cubic meter, far surpassing the safe limit of 15. Larger particulate matter levels, PM 10, averaged at an alarming 495, more than ten times what is considered safe for daily exposure.
Residents have expressed concerns about experiencing respiratory issues and eye irritation, as healthcare experts warn of the long-term impact of such pollution levels, particularly on vulnerable groups, including children. A recent study in The Lancet highlighted that 7.2% of daily fatalities in the capital could be tied to fine particulate pollution.
Authorities are forecasting a slight decline in air pollution in the upcoming days; however, conditions are likely to remain unhealthy. Measures have been implemented to combat the smog, including road spraying and a ban on non-essential construction. Despite these interventions, skepticism remains regarding their effectiveness.
The extent of the smog is so significant that it has been visible from space, with NASA releasing satellite images capturing its reach extending into Pakistan. A similar situation was noted earlier this month in Lahore, where schools were also temporarily closed due to high air pollution levels.
As the situation escalates, there's growing concern about the persistent air quality crisis in not just Delhi, but across northern India as a whole.
Pollution levels in the area are shockingly high, with fine particulate matter exceeding safe limits set by the World Health Organization. On Thursday, concentrations of PM 2.5 reached over 50 times the WHO's recommended safety threshold, primarily due to the seasonal amalgamation of poor weather, vehicle emissions, and agricultural burning practices.
Reports from IQAir, an air quality monitoring body, indicated that Delhi's PM 2.5 levels averaged 254 micrograms per cubic meter, far surpassing the safe limit of 15. Larger particulate matter levels, PM 10, averaged at an alarming 495, more than ten times what is considered safe for daily exposure.
Residents have expressed concerns about experiencing respiratory issues and eye irritation, as healthcare experts warn of the long-term impact of such pollution levels, particularly on vulnerable groups, including children. A recent study in The Lancet highlighted that 7.2% of daily fatalities in the capital could be tied to fine particulate pollution.
Authorities are forecasting a slight decline in air pollution in the upcoming days; however, conditions are likely to remain unhealthy. Measures have been implemented to combat the smog, including road spraying and a ban on non-essential construction. Despite these interventions, skepticism remains regarding their effectiveness.
The extent of the smog is so significant that it has been visible from space, with NASA releasing satellite images capturing its reach extending into Pakistan. A similar situation was noted earlier this month in Lahore, where schools were also temporarily closed due to high air pollution levels.
As the situation escalates, there's growing concern about the persistent air quality crisis in not just Delhi, but across northern India as a whole.
